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Andrew - a newly qualified social worker

Andrew

Job title: Experienced Social Worker – newly qualified (assessed and supported year in employment)

Area of work: Children and families

I moved from Scotland to take up employment on the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) with Devon County Council.

The ASYE doesn’t exist in Scotland so I worked for a couple of years as a newly qualified social worker, before deciding on the move to Devon.

Prior to my start date, the dedicated Social Care Academy within Devon County Council kept in contact and assisted me with everything needed for my first day including my registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

On the ASYE scheme, you start off with a small caseload and build up bit by bit meaning your workload is carefully managed.

At different stages, you complete reflective accounts to embed progress, which I have found really useful. Everyone on the programme is allocated a ‘buddy’ and we’re encouraged to speak up if at any time we feel overwhelmed by cases.

There is a standard national salary progression for the scheme with set increases after 6 months, then again after a year. The programme is incredibly supportive.

I’m dyslexic and as soon as I raised this with my manager, I was encouraged to get an assessment through Access to Work. The recommended equipment was purchased for me, no questions asked.

I manage my own calendar and organise my own time. Flexi-time is great as it allows you to flex your working hours day by day to suit your commitments, taking time back at another time if you have worked over your hours.

Following the ASYE, you become a fully-fledged social worker on a permanent contract. I can absolutely see my career progressing with Devon County Council.

Devon is a lovely place to be. The scenery is great and, being keen on water sports, I’m looking forward to the weather getting a bit warmer so I can get out on the water.


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