• Suffolk County Council - Countywide (Community-based)
• £27,711 - £32,654 per annum
• 37 hours per week
• Fixed Term Contract to undertake an Apprenticeship for 3 years

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as an Apprentice Social Worker, you will be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

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. 

Do you:

• have at least 12 months direct experience of working with children, young people and families or adults with care and support needs?
• have a passion and commitment to making a real difference for the people of Suffolk?
• 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?
• a resident of the UK and eligible to work here for the duration of the apprenticeship programme?

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.
• 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 direct experience of working with children, young people and families, or adults with care and support needs.
• to hold GCSE English or English Language at grade C/4 or above, or an approved equivalent such as level 2 functional skills at the point of application.
• a nationally accredited qualification at level 3 or above e.g. 3 A levels, BTEC diploma, NVQ, Access to Higher Education. This qualification must be equivalent to having 3 A Levels.
• to upload copies of all your original qualification certificates to us as part of the application process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online.
  If you undertook you qualifications outside of the UK, you will need to provide a statement of comparability. You can gain this by going to the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills (enic.org.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).

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.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 University of Suffolk, Ipswich Campus.

For more information

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

• Wednesday 12 March, 18.00 – 19.30
• Wednesday 19 March, 12.00 – 13.30
• Monday 24 March, 16.30 – 18.00

To book a place or for an informal discussion or more information, please email WFDApprenticeProgramme@suffolk.gov.uk

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 - Start your application by using “Apply Now”.

Step 3 - Please ensure you use the Supporting Statement template (docx). You must upload your supporting statement when completing your online application, along with uploading copies of all your original qualification certificates; ensuring that your statement outlines to us how your skills and experience makes you a good candidate

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
• We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 10 April 2025.

Interview date: 14, 15, 20 or 22 May 2025.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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 lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).