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

City of York Council is joining the call for more people to rise to the challenge and rewards of social work and make a real difference to vulnerable children and families.

Social work can be life changing for those you support. To do this, 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 and or vulnerable adults. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve – all of which you will need to succeed.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

The 14-month Step Up to Social Work programme gives successful applicants intensive, hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements with us here at City of York Council.

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

Cllr Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Children and Education, said:

This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of university fees for successful applicants.

“This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. 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.”

We are looking for strong graduates who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience.

This is a postgraduate programme, so you will need to have either a minimum 2:1 level 6 degree qualification, for example an honours degree or a graduate certificate (can be in any subject), or a minimum 2:2 honours degree plus a postgraduate qualification (level 7 or above), for example a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate/ Postgraduate Diploma, in a discipline other than social work.

You should also have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent). You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online. 

We are particularly interested in applications from men and from candidates who are Black, Asian or from Minority Ethnic groups as these groups are under-represented in this area of social work.

Your 14-month programme will pass very quickly, and if your local authority has vacancies you will be guaranteed an interview for a social worker role in children and families statutory social work. The starting salary for a newly qualified social worker in this region is around £27,600, moving to £31,300 upon successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment as part of our Social Work Academy for Newly Qualified Social Workers.

For more information visit the Step Up to Social Work website. 

Online applications are open until 7 April 2021, followed by regional assessment centres (virtual) for candidates successful at the initial application stage. Students can expect to start the programme in January 2022, completing their training in March 2023.