Trainee Social Worker

Frontline; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity is seeking graduates for a fully funded social work training program in children's social work. Candidates will develop essential skills through hands-on experience and academic study while gaining a master's degree. This rewarding career offers a starting income as a children's social worker and opportunities for professional growth. Apply now for this unique chance to make a real difference in children's lives, while benefiting from robust support and guidance throughout the program.

Benefits

Tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000

Full funding for a master’s degree

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to making a difference in children's lives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse professionals.
• Excellent writing skills for reporting and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Visit children at home or school to assess their situations.
• Support parents facing difficult challenges.
• Collaborate with teachers and healthcare professionals.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Education

Undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above)

Job description

New Approach Social Work job description

Looking for agraduate career in children’s social work with purpose andprogression?

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026.

As achildrenandfamiliessocial worker,you’llwork directly with children to make sure they are safe,supportedand able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability,progressionand the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme,you’llbe supported from day one and gain the skills,experienceand master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you.

About the programme

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academicstudyand expert support.

On the programme,you’lldevelop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change.You’llexplore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work.

What to expect

Year one:

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
• Learn alongside children and families within alocal authority social work team,supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs)
• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree
• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development

The role:

As a children’s social worker,you’lllearn how to build relationships, makedifficult decisionsand advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. Thatmeans:

• Visiting a child at home or school
• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances
• Working with teachers, healthprofessionalsor police
• Writingreports and helping decidewhat’ssafest for a child

It’sa challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy,resilienceand strong judgement.

Whowe’relooking for

You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education,lawor healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds.We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those fromracializedminority backgrounds.

Youdon’tneed experience in social work. We are looking for the right values,resilienceand commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year,oryou may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as ayouth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant.

Eligibility requirements:

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduatehonoursdegree (or international equivalent)
• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
• Not be a qualified social worker

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort.

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

ClickAPPLY NOWto support your application.

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.