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Children, Family and School Social Workers

Children, family and school social workers help children and families who are struggling. They identify what help is needed, put support in place, and work to keep children safe and help them have good lives.

Children, Family and School Social Workers

8

Social Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY8
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST
48%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£26,000 - £32,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (8), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

Is this the only route?

This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.

0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Social WorkerAs a Junior Social Worker, you will assist in case management, conduct assessments, and support senior social workers in their duties. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field.£26,000 - £32,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Social WorkerIn a Mid-Level role, you will manage your own caseload, develop intervention strategies, and work directly with families and children. You will also mentor junior staff and contribute to policy development within your organisation.£38,000 - £48,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Social WorkerAs a Senior Social Worker, you will lead teams, oversee complex cases, and influence organisational practices. This role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving social work services.£55,000+

The degree route

Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓International Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Human, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓International RelationsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓International Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median

All Social Sciences courses as cards →

Degree subjects that lead this way

Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.