Trainee Social Worker

NHS National Services Scotland; Aviemore; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Course fees paid

Protected study time

Annual leave 27 days (+ up to 33)

Open University degree support

Job summary

NHS Highland invites applications for a Band 6 Trainee Social Worker Apprentice (Annex 21). You’ll train via distance learning while working in a multidisciplinary team, to qualify as a Social Worker with Open University support and a permanent role on completion.

The post includes a 65% starting salary of Band 6, progression through four years, and study fees paid. Travel may be required and generous annual leave awaits.

Qualifications

• Able to meet demands of an Honours Degree Social Work programme by distance learning.
• Have the equivalent of at least one year of experience in social care.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication across environments.
• Able to liaise with professionals and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake outcomes-based assessment and care planning per NHS policies.
• Liaise with statutory, third and independent agencies for positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records per NHS Highland policies.
• Prepare reports under the direction of a registered Social Worker.
• Participate in social work and multi-disciplinary meetings as directed.
• Prepare for professional supervision and for Honours Degree study.

Skills

Good communication skills

Literacy and numeracy skills

IT skills

Team working

Education

Honours Degree in Social Work

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Band 6 Trainee Social Worker Apprentice (Annex 21)

Starting salary breakdown:

• Year 1 = 60% top of band
• Year 2 = 65% top of band
• Year 3 = 70 % top of band
• Year 4 = 75% top of the band

You will be expected to complete your apprenticeship within four years of your start date. Your salary will be determined by the duration of your apprenticeship using Annex 21 arrangements and your pay will increase as specified milestones are met. On completion of your apprenticeship and subject to all criteria being met, you will continue in your job role on a permanent contract with NHS Highland at the designated pay scale.

NHS Highland has a fantastic opportunity for an individual who aspires to work as a Social Worker. We are seeking a committed, enthusiastic, and compassionate individual to train as a Social Worker and to join our service to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. New Trainee Social Worker posts have been created whereby post-holders will be fully supported by NHS Highland to undertake the Honours Degree in Social Work programme whilst working within a multi-disciplinary team under the direction of a Social Work Team Manager. The post-holder will study with the Open University and on successful completion, will be eligible to register as a Social Worker and work as such with NHS Highland.

Duties of the Trainee Social Worker will include:

• Drawing on a sound value and theoretical base, working alongside others to help build resilience; address inequalities; maximise individuals' potential; and contribute to the realisation of citizenship, inclusivity and fairness for individuals and families
• Undertaking outcomes-based assessment and care planning in accordance with agreed NHS Policies and procedures
• Liaison with statutory, third and independent agencies and professionals to achieve positive outcomes for people
• Maintaining accurate records in accordance with NHS Highland policies and procedures
• Preparing reports under the direction of a registered Social Worker
• Participating in internal and external Social Work and multi-disciplinary meetings as directed
• Carrying out lead responsibilities under the direction and supervision of a registered Social Worker
• Preparing thoroughly for professional supervision
• Meeting the requirements of the Honours Degree Social Work programme.

NHS Highland is seeking applicants who meet the following requirements:

• Are able to meet the demands of an Honours Degree Social Work programme by distance learning and can demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills
• Have the equivalent of at least one year of experience (paid or unpaid) of work in a social care environment
• Have good communication skills and evidence of potential to reach a high standard of professional verbal and written communication in a range of environments
• Are able to negotiate and liaise with other professionals and agencies in the interests of service users
• Are able to work as a member of a team by establishing positive working relationships
• Have confidence and ability in the use of IT systems
• Are suitable to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) on the Social Worker Student part of the Register
• Have good organisational skills and be able to manage the demands of a proportionate workload and study requirements
• Are able to travel efficiently to meet operational requirements.

You will be based in the B&S Service, and you will be appointed under Annex 21 Agenda for Change terms and conditions, starting salary 65% of Band 6 working towards the attached Job Description.

Course fees and protected time for study will be included as part of the role. Some travel may be required. We will guide, support and train you whilst you are in a paid role, developing your skills and knowledge whilst obtaining a recognised qualification.

You will be entitled to 27 days annual leave (up to 33 days for those with continuous service) together with 8 public holidays.

Informal enquiries to: Morag Ainslie, Social Work Team Manager, Badenoch and Strathspey Community Care Team, email: [e-mail] or tel: [phone]

An online Trainee Social Worker Enquiry Event will also be held. Date to be confirmed. Email [e-mail] or [e-mail] for details and event link.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Highland is unable to provide candidates with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for this role.

NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.

We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.

Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.