Trainee Social Worker

The Frontline Organisation; Harlow; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded master’s degree

Year‑1 bursary £18k–£20k (tax-free)

Guaranteed employment after year 1

Professional development and Frontline

Job summary

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps people from all professional backgrounds become children’s social workers. You’ll gain the training, hands‑on experience and support to build the skills needed to help children and families thrive.

You’ll study, work and grow over three years. The programme includes a funded master’s degree in children’s social work, a year‑one bursary, and a guaranteed post‑qualification role in a local authority after year one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree (or international equivalent).
• GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
• Right to work and study in the UK for the duration of the programme (to Sept 2030).
• Resident in England by programme start date.
• Not a qualified social worker.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families to keep them safe and thriving.
• Visit a child at home or school, collaborating with teachers or health professionals.
• Support a parent through difficult circumstances and provide advocacy where needed.
• Apply evidence and weigh risks to influence decisions with empathy, resilience and self-awareness.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Self-awareness

Judgement

Education

Undergraduate honours degree (2.2)

Job description

Trainee Social Worker

Approach Social Work

Make your work something you’re proud of.

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps people from all professional backgrounds become children’s social workers. You’ll gain the training, hands‑on experience and support to build the skills needed to help children and families thrive.

You don't need any prior social work knowledge or experience to join us. We’re looking for people who are motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children at risk of harm and ready to commit to three years of learning, working and growing.

Why Approach Social Work?

• Fully funded master's degree in children’s social work; you won't pay a penny in tuition fees.
• Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away.
• £18,000–£20,000 tax‑free bursary in year one to help with living and travel costs while you train.
• Guaranteed employment as a newly qualified social worker in a local authority when you successfully complete year one.
• Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three.*
• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering ongoing support, networking and professional development.

You’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve visiting a child at home or school, working with teachers or health professionals, or supporting a parent through difficult circumstances. You’ll draw on evidence, weigh up risks, influence decisions and advocate for children, all while showing empathy, resilience and self‑awareness.

Approach Social Work is an intensive three‑year programme that combines academic study with hands‑on practice. From the start, you’ll be helping children and families to make a lasting, positive difference in their lives.

Whether you have recently graduated or are looking for a change after years in your profession, we welcome applicants from any career background. No social work experience is needed.

We’re looking for people with empathy, resilience, self‑awareness and strong judgement, who are motivated to make a difference.

Eligibility requirements

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (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 2030)
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
• Not be a qualified social worker

Our reference: SE4286

Vacancy: Trainee Social Worker

Location: Harlow - CM20 2ET

Salary: From £18,000 in Y1 up to £44,000* in Y3

*Salary information is based on self‑reported earnings from participants in 2024 and 2025.

Hours: Full time

Smart Hire are advertising on behalf of The Frontline Organisation