---
name: social-work-researcher
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'social work researcher' (also: social research worker, social science researcher, social work research manager, social research interviewer, social scientist, communities research worker). Use when the user asks for typical social work researcher work such as: Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.; Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.; Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software."
---

# Social Work Researcher

Social work researchers manage research projects aiming to investigate and provide reports on social issues. They first perform research by gathering information through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; followed by organising and analysing the gathered information using computer software packages. They analyse social problems and needs, and the different ways and techniques to respond to them.

## Core workflow

1. Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
2. Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
3. Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
4. Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
5. Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
6. Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
7. Conduct internet-based and library research.
8. Present research findings to groups of people.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- accept own accountability
- action research
- address problems critically
- advocate for social service users
- apply case management
- apply holistic approach within social services
- apply quality standards in social services
- apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
- assess social service users' situation
- carry out social work research
- communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields
- conduct interview in social service
- conduct research across disciplines
- consider social impact of actions on service users
- contribute to protecting individuals from harm

## Hot technologies

- IBM SPSS Statistics
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Tableau
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Structured query language SQL
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Outlook

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/3af4d6be-90b5-41f6-be06-3330dab3df73), O*NET 30.3 (19-4061.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*