What is Step up to Social Work?
Step Up to Social Work is an intensive full-time, fully funded, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work programme that allows you to become a qualified social worker in just 14 months. Successful graduates will be able to register for the protected title of social worker and to apply for employment in this sector.
Plymouth City Council are now looking to recruit people to the programme who are committed to making a difference for disadvantaged children and families. You need to have a willingness to learn, be emotionally resilient and be able to undertake this challenging yet hugely rewarding academic degree programme.
This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the DfE provides funding via a tax free bursary payment as well as paying all associated University fees. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme only runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you’re interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply!
We particularly welcome applications from men and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities, both groups being under represented in the Social Work workforce.
What funding is available?
There is currently a tax free bursary payment of £19,833 (£1,416 per month) in total for the 14 months. This is subject to change for future cohorts.
Your tuition fees will be paid by the DfE if you live in England at the time of your studies. If you do not, then your fees will not be paid – you can still apply but would have to pay your own fees.
Payment will be made directly into your bank account and will be tax free.
Course fees will be paid directly to the university provider as the DfE are also funding your fees.
Depending on the Local Authority you train with, this payment will be made around the 30 or 16 of the month, so you might need to change any existing direct debits to plan around this.
Your first payment will be around 30 January and therefore you should ensure you have enough money to pay for your travel/expenses to University from early January.
Some students car share to save on travel expenses. You will receive a student card from the university which will allow you to apply for discounted train travel as well as many other student discounts and a reduction in council tax.
What qualifications do I need?
Essential criteria
You will need:
- a degree-level qualification in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institute or an approved overseas equivalent
- a minimum 2:1 level 6 degree qualification, for example, an honors degree or a graduate certificate, or, a minimum 2:2 honors degree plus a postgraduate qualification (level 7 or above) for example, a master’s degree or a postgraduate certificate/ postgraduate diploma
- to have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent)
- to have completed your degree, final year students are not eligible to apply
- to show evidence of your qualifications (such as certificates) and be able to upload this to the application form – this is mandatory for overseas qualifications (please ensure you have relevant electronic versions to hand prior to submitting your application)
- to have a minimum of 6 months full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity
- to live in England
- a driving licence and use of a vehicle in some locations, or to confirm that you’ll be able to travel for work if you do not have a vehicle
- to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applications which do not meet all of these criteria will not be assessed.
Will places be available in Plymouth?
Plymouth City Council's Children Young People and Families Service seeks to recruit a number of candidates within the South West regional Step Up to Social Work partnership.
What is the application process?
Make an initial application online and ensure that you have completed all the sections on the application form especially providing information about having significant experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable children and families for a period of at least 6 months.
You will need to have a copy of your degree qualification certificate and your GCSE in Maths and English grades A-C or equivalent at the time of applying. These documents will be needed by the university provider should you be offered a place.
Public transport is difficult in some regional areas and therefore you may need to provide Step Up authorities with your driving licence details. We do not require you to have a driving license should you apply for a Step Up to Social Work position with us.
If selected you will be asked to attend an assessment centre. During the ongoing Covid pandemic, the assessment centre may be virtual. We will let you know whether it will be virtual or face to face if you are shortlisted for interview.
What will the Assessment Centre Involve?
The key assessment process components will involve:
- a formal interview with a course academic member of staff and a social work manager
- role play or group exercise
- an interview with a service user/carer
- a written exercise.
More information can be found on GOV.UK.