Residential social workers oversee the welfare of and provide support to vulnerable residents in care homes and hostels of various types. Some of these residents may be young, emotionally vulnerable, elderly, have physical or learning disabilities, or mental health problems. Residential social workers frequently work alongside fully qualified social workers.
The type of work involved will be influenced by the kind of people for whom care is provided, but may include:
- Advising residents
- Writing medical, court or adoption reports
- Assessing residents' needs and progress
- Implementing care plans which have been agreed with residents, their families, outside agencies and other health care professionals
- Adhering to standards of care within the relevant quality framework
- Leading social activities
- Helping residents to deal with problems and perhaps make the transition to independence
Residential social workers support three main groups of people:
Children and young people - their needs must be assessed, boundaries need to be established, they require emotional and social support, a safe and happy environment to live in, leisure and creative stimulation and preparation for independence
Adults - they require assistance with daily living skills such as budgeting, shopping, and claiming benefits, and need encouragement to develop social and personal skills
Elderly people - for this group, checks must be made to ensure that residents are treated with dignity and are living in a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment.
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