Return to Social Work

Birmingham Children's Trust; Aston; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional children’s services provider is excited to recruit for its Return to Social Work Programme aimed at helping previously qualified social workers return to practice after a career break. This program offers tailored support, including a hybrid working model, allowing participants to gain experiences while receiving mentorship. Candidates should be qualified social workers who have been away for more than 2 years. Apply now to make a positive difference in children's lives across Birmingham.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Retention payment

Salary Sacrifice Car Leasing Scheme

Qualifications

• Must be a previously qualified social worker with a gap of 2+ years.
• Ability to participate in a hybrid working approach.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with children and families.
• Participate in a structured Return to Social Work Programme.
• Receive support and training throughout the placement.

Skills

Social Work qualifications

Ability to return after a career break

Education

Qualification in Social Work

Job description

We are thrilled to be recruiting to our eighth Return to Social Work Programme cohort commencing in April 2026

Has it been a while since you last did a home visit?

Did you have a career break or taken some time out to raise a family?

You may have left but we can support you to return to the profession that you love.

If you are someone who was previously qualified and practiced as a social worker but has had a break of more than 2 or more years from the profession, we are offering a bespoke Return to Social Work Programme to support you in your professional learning and development journey.

At Birmingham Children’s Trust we have a highly recognised Practice Academy, which supports all Social Workers Pre and Post qualification in a five year development pathway of opportunities. This includes but is not limited to; newly qualified Social Workers on their ASYE journey, Students, Practice Educators and Social Work Apprentices. We are committed to attracting high quality practitioners to our workforce and this programme will complement our current model of recruitment.

We are very different in our approach and vision as a Trust. We have exceptional varied opportunities to develop your learning, ongoing training to improve practice, a clear way to progress through our progression pathway that recognises success and values staff.

Our Return to Social Work Programme offers a paid opportunity to spend time back in practice gaining the experiences needed to support restoration with Social Work England. Each week you will be afforded a hybrid working approach to enable you to have learning time as well as hands on time working directly with children and families. Throughout you will have a strong team base together with designated developmental support from the Practice Academy to help you gain what you need and feel confident in your return to Social Work.

There are opportunities to join our Assessment and Short term intervention, Safeguarding; Children in Care; Fostering and Disability services, so do not delay – get your application in today!

About the Programme

On this programme you will receive :

• A supervised practice-based tailored experience, including shadowing and learning opportunities in the field of your choice within one of our key service areas
• Full support from our Practice Academy Practice Educator and team
• Opportunities for private and formal study
• Cohort approach where you will build close relationships and a support network within a learning environment

Throughout your placement you will be provided with support that will be appropriate to your level of experience and time away from practice, tailored to your individual needs.

Our Academy will support your placement to review your progress and ensure you have met all requirements in order to gain your registration with Social Work England.

Upon a successful placement and gaining your Social Work England registration, you will have access to the Core Practice training offer in line with the post qualifying practice standards; knowledge and skills statements. There is also a further option to consolidate your learning through our Children and Family Practitioner Programme with further support and developmental opportunities available.

We recognise that it can be challenging returning to practice after a period away, but with the right support, opportunities and encouragement we will ensure you will regain the confidence, experience and knowledge you need to make your return as smooth as possible, back to enjoying the role and making a difference to children and families lives across Birmingham.

Wider benefits in our offer

Following successful completion of your placement and restoration as a registered Social Worker, we offer a fully supportive team environment, with regular supervision, access to training and shared learning as well as mental health and well‑being support. This is in addition to the wider range of benefits available which includes competitive rewards and pension, a generous annual leave package with 30 days plus bank holidays; Retention payment from day 1 of joining (where applicable) and our recently launched Salary Sacrifice Car Leasing Scheme; to name a few. To find out more click HERE

If you want to know more or have any questions, come and join our drop‑in webinar sessions on :

Tuesday 16th December via Microsoft Teams - 1pm-2pm

Join the meeting now Meeting ID : 396 547 709 408 9 Passcode : 5uF7j8G3 Dial in by phone [phone],,321215993# United Kingdom, City of London Find a local number Phone conference ID : 321 215 993#

Wednesday 17th December via Microsoft Teams - 5pm-6pm

Join the meeting now Meeting ID : 392 305 670 575 57 Passcode : c5kP9ae3 Dial in by phone [phone],,638627654# United Kingdom, City of London Find a local number Phone conference ID : 638 627 654#

Please note you will only need to attend one of these as both sessions will be the same.

The webinars will showcase the programme we offer throughout your development, the structure of training, our employment offer, and the application / interview process. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you have regarding our programme.

Please email [e-mail] to register your attendance or contact if you have any queries.

Interview date : 26th, 29th January2026, and 30thJanuary 2026 in the morning, via Microsoft Teams