Social workers SOC 2461
Social workers (SOC 2461) qualifies for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Scroll down for salary benchmarks, the visa rules, and live jobs from licensed sponsors.
What does a social worker do?
Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.
Typical tasks
- liaises with other health and social care professionals and agencies to identify those in need and at risk within the local community
- interviews individuals and groups to assess and review the nature and extent of difficulties
- undertakes and writes up assessments to specified standards
- arranges for further counselling or assistance in the form of financial or material help
- organises support and develops care plans to address service users’ needs
- keeps case records, prepares reports and participates in team meetings
- gives evidence in court
- participates in training and supervision
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners must be registered with the appropriate statutory body. To register a social worker must satisfy the criteria for registration. Non-graduates must undertake a three year degree in social work; graduates with relevant experience may take a two year postgraduate diploma/Master’s degree. Prior relevant work experience or relevant voluntary work is encouraged. Background checks including a DBS check are required.
Visa sponsorship requirements
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
What social workers earn in the UK
UK market basic pay at a glance
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most social workers in the UK earn between £39,260 and £49,400 in basic pay, with experienced professionals in the top 10% earning above £53,872.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
How to get sponsored as a social worker
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Find a licensed sponsor on Hunt UK Visa Sponsors
Browse our register of UK companies with an active sponsor licence. Filter by industry, size, sponsor rating, and whether they're currently hiring social workers, so you only apply where a visa is actually on the table.
Browse licensed sponsors - 2
Confirm the salary meets the NHS pay scale
Social workers roles follow the NHS national pay scale. Your employer must pay at least the Agenda for Change rate set by the Home Office for this occupation code, not the general £41,700 Skilled Worker threshold.
See NHS pay scales - 3
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a reference number the Home Office uses to check the job offer, salary, and duties line up with an eligible SOC code.
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Apply for a Skilled Worker visa at gov.uk
Submit the Skilled Worker visa application online within 3 months of your CoS assignment date. You'll also book a biometric appointment and pay the immigration health surcharge.
Apply on gov.uk - 5
Move to the UK and start work
Travel to the UK before your CoS start date and begin working for the sponsor named on the certificate.
Roles under SOC 2461
Recent jobs under SOC 2461
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time Working Style: Hybrid - Employees split their time between working remotely (e.g., from home) and working on-site (e.g., in an office). Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance Closing Date: 23 June 2026, 11.59pm Interview Method: Face to Face This Role Is Subject To 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history. Qualification - Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England Medical Cle
Job Description Make a life changing decision. Cornwall is a fantastic place to live and work. Adult Social Care in Cornwall is changing. We’re looking for passionate, skilled Social Workers to join us in developing a ‘best-in-class’ Adult Safeguarding service. You’re a talented professional and a strong advocate of people’s rights, safety and independence. That’s why you live a person-centred, strengths-based approach and ensure people’s views, wishes and desired outcomes are at the heart of al
All About The Role We are looking for a Senior Social Worker who has the child's voice at the heart of everything they do and are committed to working with families in a way that is collaborative and relational at every step. Our Assessment Teams are a rewarding but fast-paced environment to work in. We are committed to ensuring that children, young people and families in our community receive a positive and timely service, proportionate to their needs and informed by their own expertise. The wo
Make a difference at a critical point in a young persons life: We are looking for an experienced and motivated Advanced Social Worker to join our Transitions Adult Social Care (TASC) Team, supporting young people as they move from childrens into adult services. This role sits within our integrated system, delivered through the Section 75 partnership between Devon County Council (DCC) and Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT). You will be line managed within this arrangement, working across organisat
Join St Mary's Hospital in Warrington as a Senior Social Worker and be part of changing lives for the better as you experience what delivering great healthcare should feel like. At St Mary's hospital there is a strong emphasis on teamwork, as you work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support people Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), progressive neurological conditions, Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Deaf Mental Health problems, As a Senior Social Worker, you will come from the NHS or pri
Related occupations
Other Skilled Worker-eligible roles in the same SOC minor group (246xx):
Frequently asked questions
Can social workers get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. Social workers roles fall under SOC 2461 (Higher Skilled), so they qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer will need a sponsor licence and must pay at least the going rate for this occupation.
What salary do social workers need for visa sponsorship?
Social workers roles (SOC 2461) follow the NHS national pay scale rather than a fixed going rate. The minimum salary depends on your Agenda for Change pay band. Check the government's Agenda for Change guidance for your grade.
What job titles are covered by SOC 2461?
SOC 2461 covers a range of social workers roles, including: Adult social workers, Children, family and school social workers, Criminal justice social workers, Mental health and healthcare social workers, Social workers not elsewhere classified.. Keep in mind that the Home Office matches jobs by duties rather than title alone. Two roles with the same title can fall under different SOC codes depending on the actual work involved.
Where can I find social workers jobs with UK visa sponsorship?
We list Social workers roles from companies with a Home Office sponsor licence. Scroll down to see what's currently open, or search our full jobs database for more visa-sponsored positions across the UK.
This information is provided as guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice. Eligibility criteria and salary thresholds are based on the latest published government data. Always verify with the official UK government guidance or seek professional immigration advice.