Roles and tasks of the social worker
The roles and responsibilities of a social worker are many and varied. First and foremost, they must help people to overcome their social, family and financial difficulties. They intervene in a context of social and economic crisis, and try to identify the causes and consequences of problems linked to their personal situations. Social workers are responsible for implementing institutional and community programmes for people in difficulty and for groups and individuals in vulnerable situations. They must also ensure that people receive the services and resources they need. Social workers also have an advisory role. They must also help people deal with psychological and social problems, such as depression, anxiety and social isolation, and help them find solutions to their problems. Social workers must also carry out research to identify solutions to social issues and problems. Finally, they must also ensure that the services and resources offered to people in difficulty are adapted to their needs and that their rights are respected. In short, the roles and missions of a social worker are to:
Identifying the causes and consequences of problems related to people's situations;
Implement institutional and community programmes for people in difficulty;
Provide advice and assistance to people;
Conduct research into social issues and problems;
Ensuring that the services and resources provided to people in difficulty are adapted to their needs and that their rights are respected.
Salary and career development for social workers
A social worker's salary is often determined after an assessment of the candidate's experience and skills. In France, the gross annual salary of a social worker at the start of their career (less than 2 years' professional experience) is often estimated at between €23,000 and €25,000 per year. After 2 to 5 years' experience, the gross annual salary can rise to between 26,000 and 28,000 euros. Above this threshold, a social worker's salary can reach €30,000 a year between 5 and 10 years' experience and €32,000 between 10 and 15 years' experience. With more than 15 years' experience, a social worker's salary can rise to more than 35,000 euros a year. In addition to this annual salary, a social worker may receive a number of bonuses and benefits, including travel allowances and seniority bonuses.
There are many career prospects for social workers. These include
Specialist teacher ;
Psychologist
Social adviser
Educational monitor;
Social and vocational integration adviser.
