There are a number of ways to get into social work:
Apprenticeship
We support internal staff to progress into social work. In partnership with Warwick University, we run a social work apprenticeship degree scheme for employees of Children’s Social Care and the Family Help Service, who have been working for us for a minimum of 2 years.
The course is a 3-year program which is completed one day per week, alongside the employee’s current full-time post. At the end of the process and qualification, the employee will move into a social work post and will be supported thorough the assessed and supported year in employment.
The apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for anyone really, especially for people who may be in a similar position to myself - I have two children, a mortgage and financial responsibilities all of which would have prevented me from going to university to gain my degree in Social Work on a full time basis.
I looked so many times and there was just no way I could do it so the degree apprenticeship has broken down these barriers and allowed me an opportunity that I previously felt was completely unachievable due to my family commitments.
Person:Katie, Support and Assessment worker
Student Placement
We build positive relationships with our local universities, which allows us to offer student placements, providing a wealth of experience to students. We have committed work-based supervisors and practice educators to support you. We also have a learning and development coordinator who will provide support in arranging all placements and a robust induction process.
Experiences gained on placement are important and can help support newly qualified social workers to seek employment. We also provide a service to support students with advice on applications, interviews and what to expect for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) year.
I was terrified when I realised, I was coming to do my placement in a children setting, this was because all my experience had been in an adult setting. …My placement was a massive learning curve and a positive journey.
I was able to learn how my views and knowledge can impact on practice and using theories and model to understand patterns. I was able to work positively with children through direct work and keeping it relevant and exiting whether this is through their favourite sports or games.
Overall, I was over the moon that after all this work and 3 year journey in social work, I was able to go for a job interview in my place of work First Response Children’s Duty and be offered a full time job.
Person:Tendai
I did my placement with LCC and then went on to be successful for an ASYE posts and I was employed as a family intervention worker in the team until my social work registration came through a couple of months later. This was 7 years ago and I am still happy to be working for LCC.
Person:Sandy
Returning to Social Work Scheme
We want to support qualified social workers who have had a career break and want to return to social work practice.
To achieve this, you're required to follow a process of restoration through Social Work England. If you have either:
- not practised as a social worker or
- it has been 2 or more years since you were registered
- there's a process to follow in terms of updating your skills, knowledge and experience.
Please visit the Social Work England website for more details on the requirements for restoration, which can include self-directed study and supervised practice.
If successful at interview, you'll be offered a permanent role with us within one of our children’s services teams.
You will start as a social work assistant while you're supported to complete your process of restoration – and once completed, you will then become a social worker within the team and continue your career and journey with us.
The next intake date is currently not planned. When available, these places will be advertised on our careers site.
Step Up to Social Work Regional Partnership
We have joined the East Midlands Regional Partnership for the Step Up To Social Work program. This is a program managed between the Local Authorities and Manchester Metropolitan University and commenced in 2010.
The program enables candidates to become skilled social work practitioners, working with children and families in a Local Authority setting during placements, and is a full-time course. The integration of theory and practice is a key theme running throughout the programme and the Local Authorities ensure that teaching is relevant for contemporary social workers.
Being a fast-track programme, it proceeds at a swift pace in order to fit in the academic work and practice placements you are required to take to qualify within 14 months. Candidates may be eligible for a bursary during this course.
The next intake date is currently not planned. When available, these places will be advertised on our careers site.