Newly Qualified Children and Family Social Worker (ASYE)
Gateshead Council would like to offer you an opportunity to complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) within our innovative and supportive Social Work Academy. These highly sought after posts will be part of a cohort of newly qualified social workers due to commence their ASYE in September 2023. We unexpectedly have a final post remaining for our September 2023 cohort so would like to hear from strong candidates who are ready and committed to begin their social work careers through their ASYE with Children and Families here in Gateshead.
In Gateshead, our aim is to achieve the best possible outcome for children and young people so they can thrive and reach their full potential and live a safe and healthy life. This is supported by our desire to be the employer of choice amongst graduates. We want our Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) to become excellent social work practitioners who can build strong and trusting relationships with children and their families to achieve positive outcomes for the children and families of Gateshead.
The Academy continues to build upon our well-respected existing ASYE programme which is highly valued by NQSWs and managers and has received positive feedback during our last Ofsted inspection, in which we received a Good rating. However in Gateshead we have a clear and focused ambition to provide an Outstanding service to our children and our families. We are rapidly and innovatively developing our Academy model and you can be part of our journey as our fifth cohort of new social workers since 2021. We are receiving positive feedback that indicates that our Academy model is appreciated by our new social workers and a previous member of our Academy team who has just completed their ASYE recently told us: “I have loved the experience that the Academy has given me, it has been a good, well-rounded experience in my first year as a qualified social worker.”
As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (also referred to as an NQSW) in Gateshead you will access a range of development opportunities within our Social Work Academy Team. Throughout your ASYE year, the Academy will provide a learning culture where you will develop a range of skills and experiences. You will hold a protected caseload and receive high levels of supervision and support from the Academy; this will include the Academy Team Manager and Consultant Social Worker as well as allocation to your own ASYE Mentor, an experienced social worker practicing within a social work team in Gateshead. The Academy team will be where you start your ASYE journey before moving into an allocated host team in Children’s Services after your 3 month ASYE review, whilst continually supported through the Academy model. This model enables you to move into a suitable vacancy at the right time for you, viewing each Newly Qualified Social Worker as individual and on their own professional journey to become the best social worker for children and families in Gateshead.
You will initially be appointed on a 12 month temporary contract and on successful completion of your ASYE you will be offered a Children & Families Social Worker Practitioner permanent contract and will be matched against a vacancy within one of the following teams; Assessment and Intervention, Safeguarding and Care Planning, Children in our Care, Fostering or Kinship Care.
In applying for this role, you will have knowledge of childcare legislation and statutory guidance in addition to statutory and organisational contexts, corporate parenting responsibilities and Government policy contexts and drivers. Demonstrating a knowledge of child development and social work theories is essential in addition to assessment models and social work interventions. You will also have an understanding of adult mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, physical ill health and disability and relational, strengths-based and systemic practice in addition to child protection and multi-agency responsibilities. Our Relationship Focused Practice System is integral to how you will learn and develop in your career with us in Gateshead and it shapes all of the work that we do with children and families, and with each other as colleagues.
We look for people with a 'can do' attitude, and who are prepared to be accountable for achieving the best possible outcomes for children. You will need a relevant social work qualification and SWE registration – or be able to evidence this by September 2023 – as well excellent written and verbal communication skills and evidence of your commitment to progress in line with Post Qualifying Standards and the Professional Capability Framework for Newly Qualified Social Workers. Most importantly, you will be driven by purpose, practice and impact in your motivation to work with children and families and demonstrate self-awareness of your own strengths and development areas within a social work role.
It is essential that you have a current driving licence and access to a car or means of mobility support. If you are currently in the process of learning to drive, you would need to commit to prioritise passing your test to enable you to meet this essential criteria as soon as possible.
If you are successful, you may have the opportunity to work for Gateshead Council in a related job role prior to a September 2023 as a Social Work Assistant or another allied role. There is significant flexibility around this offer which could include full-time, part-time or flexible hours up until you start in your role as a Newly Qualified Social Worker.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Kate Aspray, Academy Team Manager and Zoe Hovells, Academy Consultant Social Worker at ASYEacademy@gateshead.gov.uk with any questions or to arrange a time for a conversation.
Written applications will be short-listed prior to an Assessment Centre – please state how your placement experience has prepared you for the role of a qualified social worker. Our Assessment Centre is scheduled for Friday 19th May 2023 and is a full-day commitment. The day will take place in person in Gateshead. This will be followed by an interview on Thursday 25th May 2023 for those short-listed from the Assessment Centre.
We encourage applications from all prospective Newly-Qualified Social Workers from all backgrounds and communities, and we wish to actively encourage those from BAME backgrounds and applicants with disabilities to apply. As an organisation, we value the positive impact that difference has on our teams and the community we serve. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by the council. Specifically as an ASYE programme, we are actively developing our diversity and inclusion awareness and responsiveness to promote an inclusive and dynamic working environment for all Newly Qualified Social Workers.
If successful you will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure. You will also be asked to provide your final Placement report from your Practice Educator to help shape your professional development plan.
During the selection process candidates will be assessed against the Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities as set out in the job profile, including in the written application, the assessment centre and interview.
For further information about social work careers in Gateshead Council go to https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/11843/Careers-in-children-s-social-work
Previous applicants within the last 12 months need not apply.
Online applications only at www.gateshead.gov.uk
Gateshead Children’s Services is an Ofsted “Good” rated local authority and in a recent Focussed Visit in September 2021, inspectors told us that:
‘Gateshead's highly skilled, committed and caring social workers and their managers in the front door teams provide sensitive, innovative child-centred help and protection to most children seen during the visit. Continuously strong, ambitious and effective senior leadership has resulted in sustained improvements.
Closely aligned, mature professional partnerships work together effectively to safeguard children from harm.
There is consistent and commendable evidence of continuous innovation and improvement during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Senior leaders are fittingly proud of their staff's commitment and determination throughout this period to see vulnerable children and their families face to face.
Staff report that they feel valued in their work and professional development and that their personal well-being is prioritised.’