Choosing a career in social services

A career in social services is a job like no other, in fact it's much more than just a job. It's a career that makes a difference. 

A career in social services can give you an important role in another person's life. Social service workers empower people who use social services, assisting them to make informed choices which will improve their lives. They make difficult decisions and at times enforce the law.

Over 198,000 people work in social services in Scotland and there are more than 25,000 early education and child care workers.

What kind of work is it?

There are many different jobs within social services, requiring a range of skills.  You can choose to work in social care, early education and child care or as a social worker. You can work with a variety of people in the private, local authority or voluntary sector. This includes children and families, older adults, people with mental health problems, youth services, criminal justice services etc.

Read our sections on social care, early education and child care and social work to find out more about the different roles and areas you can work in and what you can do next. 

You can also download our career in social services booklet (623.73 kB),  what is a career in social services (34.84 kB) leaflet and our  universities (33.65 kB) and  colleges contacts (35.37 kB) details.