In the UK social workers only work with adults/cjildren/,families, in need. They have no PhD, no doctorate and are not required to have a university level education. Until recently didn't require anything more than a high school diploma (equivalent)
They certainly don't counsel, and the alot aren't fit for purpose. They are meant to help, with day to day organising and helping to support you to claim your entitlements.

Sounds like very different thing to where you are.