Do it for a fantastic career in Children’s Social Work in Devon
We want to ensure that all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) have the best introduction to their new role in children’s social work at DCC. So, we start with a comprehensive two-week induction programme that provides an excellent introduction to the role and any expectations you may face. This will be enhanced with the induction provided by the individual team you wish to join.
In the first year, training workshops will be monthly, with the first seven workshops focusing on the 7 Pillars. This intensive focus will ensure that the core foundations of our practice are not just known but deeply understood, preparing you for the challenges of your social work career with Devon. The ASYE includes a holistic and progressive assessment of your abilities in your first year of employment as a qualified social worker.
In year two, you will receive bespoke training for your specialist area of practice, designed and developed with the operational managers. This includes the Public Law Outline (PLO) process, writing Social Work Evidence Templates (SWETs), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLs), and Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) training.
Throughout the 2 years, you will also benefit from protected caseloads, a measure designed to help you ease into the experienced social worker role. This gradual transition is not just about managing workload, but also about providing you with the reassurance and confidence you need to succeed in your new role.
Programme progression
ASYE year one
Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW)
Starting salary: Grade F, Spinal Point 24 £36,581 pa, plus a £2000 retention fee (for those in Disabled Children Services (DCS), MASH, Assessment and Intervention (A&I), Children and Families (C&F) and Corporate Parenting teams).
Expectations: Engagement with 7 Pillars of Practice training, monthly mentoring with assigned PDA, bespoke ASYE workshops. Year 1 ASYE Mid-Point review of Portfolio and Assessment report (6 months), and Final Portfolio and Assessment (12 months, which includes three direct observations).
Restricted caseload: 10-12 children (12-16 children in A&I Teams)
On the successful completion of ASYE Year One and your Portfolio
ASYE year two – Social Worker
Starting salary: Grade F, Spinal Point 28 £40,444 pa, plus a £2,000 retention fee (for those in DCS, MASH, A&I, C&F and P&T teams).
Expectations: Engagement with ASYE Year 2 workshops, Reflective Practice Groups, 6 weekly mentoring with PDA. Completion of Year 2 ASYE Final Portfolio and Assessment (including two collaborative practice evaluation, 2 direct observations and a critical reflective log)
Restricted caseload: 14-17 children (22-25 children in A&I Teams)
On completion and pass of year two portfolio
Social Worker (Year Three)
Starting salary: Grade F, Spinal Point 28 £40,444 pa, plus a £2,000 retention fee (for those in DCS, MASH, A&I, C&F and P&T teams).
Expectations: Contributes to Team Meetings and Service Development Sessions, Contributes to Reflective Activities, Shares Learning with colleagues, including offering support to Year 1 Social Work Degree student placements, is competent in working at Child Protection level as lead practitioner, has some experience of Private Law Work, undertakes Public Law Work as lead practitioner, is competent in Care Planning, engages with Academy Training Programme, is competent and confident in Life Story Work and works within Restorative Practice Framework and starts Practice Educator Training Programme.
Caseload: Full
Social Worker (Year three)
Starting salary: Grade F, Spinal Point 28 £40,444 pa, plus a £2,000 retention fee
Expectations: Complexity of work increases, skilled in completing both Private and Public Law work, engages with Academy training programmes, Attends 90% of team meetings, completes Practice Supervisor training, completes Experienced SW Portfolio and Assessment.
Caseload: Full
Congratulations, you are now an
Experienced Social Worker!
NQSWs Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice
NQSWs can choose to also achieve an additional accredited qualification on top of the first year of the ASYE programme. In DCC we also give NQSWs the opportunity to complete a Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice (GCPP) accredited by Bournemouth University.
If you choose to go for a GCPP, there is little additional work you will need to do. Just on completion of your portfolio and upon receiving your passing grade from the Academy, you can electronically submit your portfolio to Bournemouth University for academic assessment. However, if you choose to do this, it is essential to write the critical reflective logs, observations and reflections on documentation to an academic level. The marking criteria will be provided through the university when you register.
If you wish to go ahead with the GCPP, you must decide before the Support and Assessment Agreement meeting (shown in the diagram above). Information on how to register online will then be provided for you. By choosing to do the GCPP, you also gain access to all of Bournemouth University’s academic resources.
Flexible working opportunities
Working at Devon County Council, you will be offered a whole host of flexible working opportunities – but what exactly does this mean?
The place to work
Think you know local government? Think again. Modern. Flexible. Inclusive. Find a job that makes a difference and contributes to your local community, and gives you the flexibility and support you need.
The place to live
We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Whether you like the sea, the countryside or the city, find out why Devon is the place for you.