Apprentice Social Workers

• Suffolk County Council - Countywide (Community-based)
• £26,421 - £31,364 per annum
• 37 hours per week
• Fixed Term Contract to undertake an Apprenticeship for 3 years

We welcome applications from all but particularly welcome male applicants because they are under-represented in the Directorates.

• Do you have at least 12 months of direct experience working with children, young people and families or adults with care and support needs?
• Do you have passion and commitment to making a real difference for the people of Suffolk?
• Are you a resident of the UK and eligible to work here for the duration of the apprenticeship programme?
• Do you want to train to become a registered Social Worker?
• Are you looking for a work-based route with a fully funded degree and paid salary?

Join our Apprenticeship programme where you will study for a fully funded degree alongside working for Suffolk County Council as an Apprentice Social Worker.

Over the 3 year programme you will gain core skills and knowledge by working in our Children and Adult Services and through a programme of study at the University of Suffolk, Ipswich Campus.

Apprenticeships are available in a range of locations across Suffolk.

The Apprenticeship programme includes:

• fully funded level 6 Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship
• mixture of work-based and academic learning
• protected time away from work to attend university and to study
• annual work rotations in adults' and children's services
• a workplace mentor/ supervisor
• dedicated apprenticeship programme support team
• coaching and support provided
• peer group support.

The Job and Person Profile (docx) and Apprenticeship Recruitment Brochure (pagetiger.com) contain a range of information that you will find useful in applying for this job so please ensure you read them. Please note there is no guarantee of a permanent position, however, at the end of your contract you will be guaranteed an interview for the role of a Newly Qualified Social Worker.

You will need:

• to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship programme
• at least 12 months of direct experience working with children, young people and families, or adults with care and support needs
• GCSE Mathematics and English or English Language at grade C/4 or above, or an approved equivalent such as level 2 functional skills.
• nationally accredited qualification at level 3 or above e.g. 3 A levels, BTEC diploma, NVQ, Access to Higher Education
• to upload copies of all your original qualification certificates as part of your application. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online (gov.uk)
• to be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge for entry to the social work degree. For more information, visit Point of entry to training (www.basw.co.uk)

Travel and workplace requirements

We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but in this role, you will need to travel to locations away from your contractual base, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.

This role is mainly based in the community; however, you may also have the opportunity to work from home occasionally and you will have an office base. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements.

This role requires you to regularly travel to and from the University of Suffolk, Ipswich Campus.

For more information

For an informal discussion, please contact either:

• Lisa Crane (she/her) by calling 01473 263148 or emailing lisa.crane@suffolk.gov.uk or
• Steffi Bickers (she/her)by calling 01473 260781 or emailingsteff.bickers@suffolk.gov.uk

There are three opportunities to join an online information session about the Social Work Apprenticeship:

• Thursday 14 March 2024, 1.30 pm - 3 pm.
• Thursday 21 March 2024, 6 pm - 7.15 pm.
• Tuesday 26 March 2024, 11.30 am - 1 pm.

Please email WFDApprenticeProgramme@suffolk.gov.uk to book a place.

Please also see the Apprentice Social Worker Programme Frequently Asked Questions (docx)

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - You must attach the Supporting Statement which outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for the vacancy.

Please ensure you use this Supporting Statement template (docx), and upload it along with copies of all your original qualification certificates.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 4 April 2024.

Interview date: You will be asked to attend one of the following dates - 28, 30 May, 3 or 4 June 2024.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for this post.

#LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
• plus more!

If you would like to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Working for Suffolk County Council pages (www.Suffolk.gov.uk/careers).