Adult social workers – What do they do?

Social workers in adult services carry out work with adults from a range of backgrounds, many of whom are extremely vulnerable, requiring a sensitive, and supportive approach. Adult social workers provide support and assistance to maintain and promote the independence and well-being of adults. Treating adults with dignity and respect is a key core social work value.

Adult social workers work with:

1. People with learning disabilities.
2. Adults with physical disabilities.
3. Homeless people.
4. Adults experiencing substance abuse and addiction.
5. People with mental health conditions.
6. Older people requiring an assessment of their needs, either in their own home or in a residential care home.
7. Cases of domestic abuse.
8. Adults with Acquired Brain Injuries
9. Vulnerable adults living in poverty and needing assistance accessing food banks.
10. Adults with complex health conditions.
11. People involved in the criminal justice system.
12. Asylum seekers.
13. Refugees.
14. People with sensory impairments.
15. Adults with autism.
16. People returning home from a stay in hospital who may need adaptations, equipment, or support.
17. Older people with dementia diagnoses.
18. Vulnerable adults experiencing cuckooing.
19. Vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or have experienced, financial abuse.
20. Vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or have experienced, sexual abuse.
21. Vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or have experienced, emotional abuse.
22. Vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or have experienced, physical abuse.
23. Vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or have experienced, neglect.
24. Adults who need short-term care.
25. People with terminal illnesses in end-of-life care.
26. Adults in hospital.
27. Adults needing benefits or access to a direct payment or personal budget and help to obtain that.
28. Older people requiring occupational therapy.
29. Adults with cognitive impairments.
30. Adults experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours.
31. Adults who have experienced a bereavement.

Social workers work with some of the most vulnerable adults in society and deserve respect and appreciation for the valuable contribution they make to society.

Managing Director Sarah Stowe said: “In the same way that children’s social workers only tend to receive media attention once systemic failings result in harm coming to a child, social workers in adult services only receive media coverage when a vulnerable older person has been abused or neglected.”

“Yet every day, social workers work tirelessly to provide assistance and support and help them to access care packages to live as independently as possible and with dignity and respect.”

“This vital work needs celebrating and highlighting, which we hope to achieve through our #RespectforSocialWork campaign,” concluded Sarah Stowe.

For more on #Respect4SocialWork campaign visit our campaign page