‘Social workers have a very good understanding of the children they work with; they visit them regularly and ensure that their needs are well considered’ ‘Staff development is delivered through an effective and well-targeted workforce development framework. Staff morale is high.’
Ofsted 2019 – Outstanding grading
‘Social workers told inspectors that they feel well supported by their managers and senior leaders and enjoy working in Cornwall. Social workers are capable, committed and are ambitious for their children’s futures and demonstrate a breadth and depth of skill and experience. These are qualities that are reflected in the positive outcomes that are being achieved for children in Cornwall’
Ofsted 2022
We believe the children of Cornwall deserve the very best
In these extraordinarily challenging times they are at the heart of children’s social work in Children and Family Services.
We have designed a career and qualification pathway and core curriculum for front line social workers. This ensures that they develop knowledge and skills to offer the most effective social work intervention. This is part of our commitment to developing excellent practice and ensures that we continue to build on our strong, resilient Social Work workforce.
We are looking to recruit applicants interested in embarking in a career in social work in Cornwall.
Our scheme offers both an Undergraduate and Postgraduate pathway. The scheme is available to external applicants and existing staff.
The undergraduate pathway follows an Integrated Social Work Degree Apprenticeship with the fees funded from Cornwall Council’s apprenticeship levy. The Masters level Post graduate diploma is fully funded by the Cornwall Council training budget.
If you:
- work within direct service provision with children and families
- have strong values and ethics
- a commitment to humane, relationship- based practice
- an abiding curiosity, motivation and passion for this area of work
- and have been considering a career in social work
we would like to hear from you.
To be considered for the Traineeship Scheme you must:
- Be working directly with children and their families, either as a practitioner or as a first line manager
- Have a proven track record of taking personal responsibility for the quality and consistency of your own practice in line with service standards
- Be motivated and passionate about working with children and families
- Have good relationship skills and be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats
- Be committed to working for Cornwall Council as a social worker, by completing your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and early social work career practice within children’s services
Additional requirements are that you:
- Hold GCSE grade 9–4 / A*–C / Functional / Key Skills Level 2 in English and mathematics, or a certified equivalent (evidence will be required with your application)
- Be willing to undertake distance-based learning with the Open University (OU)
- Meet the OU Post graduate programme requirements if you hold a current degree and wish to pursue to Masters route. This applies to existing internal staff only
- Can work full time, to meet the needs of the service and course requirements
- Are committed to working with Cornwall Council's Children and Family Services as a Social Worker for 3 years post qualification
We will support you with:
- A salary as a Trainee Social Worker, whilst you undertake your training
- The costs of university fees and associated expenses (for the Social Worker Integrated Apprenticeship degree route fees are funded by the apprenticeship levy)
- Qualified and experienced Practice Educator support
- Appropriate practice placements in line with the requirements of your social work course
This is an exciting opportunity to start a career in social work in an ambitious Children’s service which was judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2019.
These positions will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.
Cornwall Council is committed to safeguarding and is an equal opportunities employer.