Routes into social work

The Graduate Trainee Scheme offered by Norfolk County Council is in partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA). The scheme offers successful applicants a retainer payment of £7,200 per year for the 2 years of the MA in Social Work programme at UEA. For those who need to gain some work experience, we offer the option of one year's paid employment before starting the MA.

Eligibility

Successful applicants must have:

• A 2:2 degree completed in the last six years. If applicants fall outside of this time frame, then they will need to show evidence of recent study.
• English Language and Maths GCSES at grade C/4 or above (functional skills will only be accepted for Maths)
• A full current UK driving licence

For those wishing to go straight onto the MA in Social Work without the year in employment:

• At least one year's experience of working directly with children, young people, families, carers, or adults in need of care and support. This could be as either employment or voluntary work.

Your year in employment

If you are taking the year in employment before you start the MA, you will work in either a Children's Services or Adults social services team. Progression to the MA in Social Work will be subject to satisfactory performance in this role.

Children's Services

In Children's Services you would be a Graduate Trainee based in one of the teams in the Family Help and High Needs Service. You will undertake direct work/interventions with children and families, in the community or in residential care, to effect positive change and contribute to assessments and plans. You will work closely with social work colleagues in Children's Services and with partner agencies such as schools and Children's Centres in the community to support the children and families you are working with. You will be expected to record your work on the case management system.

Adult Social Services

In Adult Social Services you would be a Graduate Trainee Assistant Practitioner. Where you will gain experience of working within a social care team with a range of service users.

The work will include undertaking strength-based assessments and reviews under the Care Act, determining eligibility and working with the service user, their family and friends, and a range of other professionals to come up with person centred Care and Support plans to meet eligible needs. During your time you will gain a knowledge of the local community and what is on offer that may support the service user with their independence and prevent, reduce, and delay the need for more formal care and support.     

MA in Social Work

Visit the UEA website for more information about the MA in Social Work programme

Financial information

If you are taking the year in employment, you will be employed on a fixed-term 12-month contract. Posts are available in a range of locations across the county. For the year in employment, the salary will be grade G (£29,269 as of 1st April 2023).

You will not be employed while you take the MA, but we will provide you with a retainer payment for each of the 2 years in the MA programme. This would be £7,200 per year to support you with the cost of fees and living expenses.

You will also be able to apply for an NHS bursary to further help with costs. (There are no guarantees you would receive an NHS bursary. It will be your responsibility to cover any shortfall between the university fees and bursary amount awarded.)

In return for the retainer payment, you will need to sign a contract confirming that you will return to work for us in one of our social work teams for a minimum of 2 years after you successfully complete the course and job interview.

How to apply

The scheme is advertised annually in the spring.

To apply, complete a job application through NCC's online recruitment site.

You will be asked to include the following with your application:

• A CV or document outlining your relevant experience and all your relevant academic qualifications including subjects and grades.
• Copies your relevant qualification certificates including degree and maths and English GCSES or equivalent.
• A personal statement explaining why you are interested in social work, how your previous studies and experience relate to social work (if applicable), relevant aspects of previous work or voluntary experience, activities and hobbies that show your interest in the subject, and any training or achievements that show your skill.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview and group activity. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to write an essay, complete a suitability declaration, and provide 2 references prior to interview. Interviews will be conducted jointly between NCC and UEA.