Brave, social worker following bitterness (7)
I believe the answer is:
gallant
'brave' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'social worker following bitterness' is the wordplay.
'social worker' becomes 'ant' (ants are social insects).
'following' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'bitterness' becomes 'gall' (synonyms).
'ant' put after 'gall' is 'GALLANT'.
(Other definitions for gallant that I've seen before include "Flirt" , "Chivalrous - dashing" , "Dandy" , "Courageous - politely attentive to women" , "Dashing gentleman" .)