Social Work Trainee (Apprentice)

Throughout the three-year apprenticeship, you will work as a Social Work Trainee (Apprentice) while building your knowledge, skills and professional experience through a combination of academic study, workplace learning and practice placements across different areas of Children's Services. In your final year, you will undertake a statutory placement to prepare for qualification. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and Social Work England registration, you will progress into an ASYE Children's Social Worker role, providing a clear pathway into a qualified social work career, As a Social Work Trainee (Apprentice), you'll gain hands-on experience across our services, learning how to support people through challenging circumstances, promote wellbeing and independence, and contribute to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. You'll be supported through regular supervision, professional development opportunities and structured learning throughout your apprenticeship. In this role, you will

• Build positive relationships with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies
• Help identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Support people to access local services, community resources and digital solutions
• Develop your professional knowledge through academic study, workplace learning and reflective practice
• Contribute positively to your team, bringing ideas and supporting service improvement
• Ensure your work is completed within statutory timescales, policies and professional standards
  
  Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, adults, and families across Gloucestershire? We're looking for motivated and compassionate individuals to join us as Social Work Trainees., We're looking for individuals who are committed to helping others and are ready to embark on a rewarding professional career in social work., Experience supporting people who may be experiencing difficult or challenging circumstances
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage difficult and challenging conversations
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• An understanding of safeguarding and the importance of confidentiality
• Confidence using IT systems and producing clear, professional written records and reports
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice
• Have at least 2 years' experience supporting people in a social care setting (paid, voluntary or personal)
• Not be enrolled on another funded higher or further education programme
• Demonstrate understanding of the social work role and relevant legislation through learning and experience and motivation to join the profession
• Show understanding of diversity, equal opportunities and fair treatment of others
Essential Qualifications
• 5x GCSE's 9-4 including English and Maths (or equivalent i.e. A- C or Level 2 Functional Skills)
• Level 3 Qualification in Health and Social Care, or equivalent Health and Social Care experience
You'll benefit from
• A fully supported Level 6 Social Worker Apprenticeship
• Protected learning time as part of your working week
• Dedicated supervision, mentoring and professional development
• A supportive team environment focused on learning and development
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the people and communities of Gloucestershire
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The role requires flexibility to work across Gloucestershire and attend learning activities as part of the apprenticeship programme. A full driving licence, or the ability to travel countywide, is required. You will spend at least 20% of your working time undertaking learning and development activities to support the successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Gloucestershire Children's Services is committed to working in partnership with families and communities to ensure every child has the best chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Guided by the principle of "right child, right support, right time, every time," the service is built on values of kindness, respect and fairness. Children are actively seen and heard in decision-making, and those who cannot live safely at home are given compassionate support The workforce is skilled, collaborative and courageous-delivering evidence-based help and advocating boldly for children's futures. With a clear mission and ambitious vision, the service empowers children to shape their own lives, families and communities. We have been working hard on our recent improvement journey and excited to share our recent news that Ofsted have rated us 'Good' with elements of 'Oustanding'. County council Children's Services judged Good with Outstanding elements by Ofsted During the inspection, which took place from June 9 to 20 this year, the inspection team found the council's Children's Services to be Good in its overall effectiveness, with judgements of Outstanding in two of four categories, and good in the remaining two categories. Services showed significant improvement since the last full inspection when they were judged to require improvement in 2022. Ofsted found that 'children in care experience exceptional care and support' and that those who need help and protection 'benefit from high-quality, effective early help services'.


• between £33,143 - £36,363 per annum FTE subject to experience
• flexible and agile working opportunities
• 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service (pro rata for part-time staff)
• option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• family friendly policies and benefits to help support you and your family
• supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
• an in-house Occupational Health service
• employee discount scheme
• links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
• access to our Social Work Academy
• Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
• Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)