Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?

The Step Up To Social Work programme in Southend City Council will open for applications from aspiring social workers on 17^th February 2025 Step up to social work - GOV UK

 The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work. On the 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in Southend City Council whilst undertaking your qualification.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition on the programme and provides a tax-free bursary of £21,995 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training.  

Applications for the programme will open on 17 February 2025, with assessment centres scheduled for June/July 2025, and a January 2026 programme start date. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED FROM 17TH FEB 25 VIA THIS LINK: Step up to social work - GOV UK

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. 

Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support.

Step Up to Social Work entry criteria

We are looking for dedicated individuals who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve. To apply to the programme, you’ll need to have:

•           a minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6). 

•           6 months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable                children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults

•           A GCSE in English or English language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)

Details of specific eligibility criteria can be found here from 17 February 2025: Home | Step Up to Social Work (pocketrecruiter.com).

You will need to show all your original certificates as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online. 

Feel free to contact SouthendSocialCareAcademy@southend.gov.uk with any questions regarding the programme.

Applications for the programme will open on 17 February 2025, with assessment centres scheduled for June/July 2025, and a January 2026 programme start date.

The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED FROM 17TH FEB 25 VIA THIS LINK: Step up to social work - GOV.UK