Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Job Information
Northumberland has an established history of supporting its own staff to undertake learning and development opportunities to become qualified social workers. In partnership with Sunderland University, Northumberland has been offering staff the opportunity to train as Social Work Apprentices since 2019.
We are now building upon our experiences in developing the BA Social Work Apprenticeship route and we’re delighted to announce this exciting opportunity is being extended to the wider workforce. (Internal and external applicants apply via this route).
Internal applicants - As this is a standalone role you are not required to seek endorsement from your current line Manager. However, if you are successful, Northumberland County Council will honour your continued service perks, including pension. This also applies to external applicants who currently work for another LA.
What does the Programme look like?
This is a 4-year Programme incorporating a unique opportunity to undertake both academic study and work-based learning. You will be employed in one of Northumberland's Children's Social Work settings as a SW Apprentice for the first 3 years on a band 5 - £26,421, incrementally increasing over the duration of the 3 years. In terms of the 4 years collectively, this is comprised of a 3-year University programme leading to BA (Hons) degree and professional social work qualification, in turn securing your Social Work England Registration.
Then your journey will continue, spending 1 year within Northumberland Children's Social Work Academy to complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment on a band 8 (£37,336). Whilst the 4-year programme will conclude, you will continue on as an Experienced Social Worker.
During the first 3 years - You will have 80% on-the-job learning (4 days a week) and the 5th day (20%) will alternate between taught sessions at Sunderland University and self-directed study. Year 1 commences with a 2-week induction at Sunderland University (16th September 2024). Year 2 includes a 70-day placement in an alternative social work setting within Northumberland. Year 3 includes a 100-day placement in a Children’s Safeguarding setting within Northumberland.
Please ensure you meet the entry requirements to apply for this post. Entry requirements:
A minimum of 120 UCAS points (or equivalent*)
OR
A minimum of 80 UCAS points ( or equivalent) +evidence of exceptional practice experience**
In addition all applicants require before enrolment; Maths GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) and English Grade C (or equivalent)
*A list of qualifications within the UCAS tariff can be found at https://www.ucas.com/file/603496/download?token=cBYDgpzT
There is also a tariff calculator tool on the UCAS website:
Please find contact information for Rachel and Jonathon from Sunderland University who can help with qualification queries: apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk
Here is a link for anyone who needs to find further information about replacement certificates: Get a replacement exam certificate: Who to contact - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
**Exceptional practice experience will be evidenced by means of a 1500 word written reflection based on your own practice, which will be assessed as part of the application and may be discussed at interview.
The closing date is 29th May 2024 at midnight.
Those successful during shortlisting will be expected to be available on Monday 10th June between 9am and 10.30am for a virtual written test. If you pass the written test you will be invited to in person interviews which will be held jointly with University of Sunderland and Northumberland Employer representatives on Friday 14th or Friday 21st June between 12 noon and 5pm. Further information will be confirmed after shortlisting. Venue - University of Sunderland. St Peters Campus. SR6 0DD
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative application format:
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
