MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH SOCIAL WORK TRAINEE

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1 POST NO: SRS188 SCP 8: 13,321 per annum 37 hours per week MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH SOCIAL WORK TRAINEE Monmouthshire County Council would like to recruit a social work trainee for a 3.5 year training scheme which will lead to a career in Social Work with us. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, forward thinking County Council that values and supports its staff. We are offering: From May to September 2014: work experience in one of our integrated teams a trainee salary of 13,321 (SCP 8) per annum regular supervision and support From September 2014 to June 2017: a place on the social work degree course at The University of South Wales (Newport) full tuition fees a trainee salary 13,321 (SCP 8) per annum three practice learning opportunities in Monmouthshire County Council within the degree course work experience in Monmouthshire County Council between University academic years regular supervision and support From June 2017: a social work post in Monmouthshire County Council subject to passing the social work degree If you have any further questions about this post, please contact Sue Wooding, Staff Development Officer on or Jackie Strong, Practice Learning Development Officer, on Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 20th December

2 MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH SOCIAL WORK TRAINEE SCHEME INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS The Social Work Trainee Scheme helps Monmouthshire County Council recruit and retain talented, enthusiastic and committed social workers. The trainee will gain a wealth of experience with us before qualifying. Work experience will be undertaken from May to September 2014, and in between University academic years. It will be tailored to the trainee s needs and to the needs of our organisation. Progression after the first six months of employment is subject to a probationary review. The trainee will study for a full time social work degree at The University of South Wales (Newport) from September 2014 to June His/her university fees will be paid, and s/he will receive a wage to support his/her social work training. The degree will include three practice learning opportunities with Monmouthshire County Council for a total of 200 days. The trainee will be expected to work for Monmouthshire County Council as a qualified social worker for two years after finishing his/her social work degree. S/he will be guaranteed an interview for relevant social work vacancies. Applicants must have: 260 UCAS points to include 180 from 2 A levels or equivalent GCSE mathematics and English language (or Welsh) Grade C or above or Key Skills level 2 Communication and of Number a minimum of twelve full weeks (approximately 420 hours) relevant work experience: supervised experience of paid or unpaid work in a social care setting. Please provide evidence of this by attaching a signed statement from your employer/supervisor with your application form. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and Health Declaration. 2

3 How to apply for this post: 1. Please complete a Monmouthshire County Council application form, ensuring it includes a statement explaining how you meet the person specification. 2. Include a signed statement from your employer/supervisor as evidence that you have undertaken a minimum of 12 weeks supervised experience of paid or unpaid work in a social care setting. 3. Please answer the following 5 questions. Each answer should be 100 to 200 words long. Pages should be numbered, with your name added to each page. a. Why do you want to become a social worker? b. What is your perception of social work with one of these groups: Children and Families? Older people? People with mental health needs? People with learning disabilities? (Only choose one service). c. What is your perception of the social work degree? d. What experience have you had which is relevant to social work? e. What skills and knowledge have you gained that are transferable to social work? f. What values do you think are important for social workers? Please check that you have included each of these items before submitting your application. We will not be able to consider incomplete applications. Criteria for shortlisting: When shortlisting, we will look for the following things: The applicant meets the entry requirements All sections of the application are completed The applicant explains how s/he can meet the person specification The applicant has written at sufficient length The applicant has clearly indicated his/her reasons for applying. A signed reference from the applicant s current supervisor is attached. 3

4 The Process: s will take place all day on Thursday, 13 February 2014 and will include: Introduction Written test Group exercise Individual interview In the written test, applicants need to demonstrate: An ability to express ideas clearly A good standard of grammar and spelling An ability to structure written material An ability to reflect Self-awareness In the group exercise, applicants need to demonstrate: The ability to express ideas clearly and coherently in verbal form The ability to engage others The ability to listen The ability to develop discussion Good non-verbal communication An awareness of social work issues and values. Individual interviews will include a member of staff from University of South Wales (Newport), a service user, and two members of staff from Monmouthshire County Council. The interview process as a whole will consider: The applicant s perception of social work and social work training The applicant s commitment to people who use services and to carers The applicant s values and ethics The applicant s transferrable skills, knowledge and experience The applicant s ability to reflect Disclosure and Barring Service Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offender Act, and therefore we require you to disclose all convictions including those classed as spent. A 4

5 Disclosure is only requested after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. Where a Disclosure is a requirement of the post, we encourage all applicants to provide details of a criminal record at an early stage in the process. Failure to reveal relevant information could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. At interview, or in a separate meeting, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the post. We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment. Monmouthshire County Council complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly. It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. A copy of the Code of Practice can be viewed on their website. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences. forms and further details for the post can be obtained from: Employee Services, Monmouthshire County Council, PO BOX 106, CALDICOT, NP26 9AN on or Via to: employeeservices@monmouthshire.gov.uk Completed applications should be returned to the above address If you have any further questions about this post, please contact Sue Wooding, Staff Development Officer on or Jackie Strong, Practice Learning Development Officer, on Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 20th December

6 JOB DESCRIPTION POST: POST NO: HOURS: GRADE: LOCATION: RESPONSIBLE TO: Social Work Trainee SRS hours per week SCP 8 13,321 per annum Monmouthshire Training Section, Employee Services JOB PURPOSE: To work within Adults and Children s Integrated Teams, to develop skills and knowledge to prepare for completing the social work degree. To work as a member of the assigned team, carrying out duties under the supervision of the team manager and senior practitioner. Key Responsibilities and Duties 1. To respond to enquiries from adults, children and families which have been allocated by the Team Manager or Senior Practitioner. 2. To work alongside adults, children, families, and carers to ensure that their needs and aspirations are at the heart of all work undertaken, exploring all options which will assist them to maintain their independence and quality of life. 3. To carry out assessments and reviews in response to requests from the team manager or senior practitioner, maintaining a caseload that is at an appropriate level for a trainee social worker. 4. To work as a team member to ensure the best possible response to adults, children and families. 5. To work with alongside colleagues from health, social care and third parties to develop community-based solutions to identified needs. 6

7 6. To take part in office duty where agreed, under the supervision of the team manager or senior practitioner. To provide easily accessible information and advice during office duty. 7. To document casework regularly and accurately in accordance with departmental procedures. 8. To develop professional skills through regular supervision and mentoring sessions and by undertaking the 3 year degree in social work. 9. To promote the vision, priorities, and policies of Monmouthshire County Council. 10. To adhere to the Code of Practice for Social Workers. 11. To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including tasks not specifically covered in the job description. 12. To attend annual Employee Reviews. 13. To actively support and implement the principles and practices of equality as laid down in the Council s Equal Opportunities Policy. 14. To maintain safe working practices for self and others, in accordance with the Authority s policy statement on Health and Safety at work. 15. To take responsibility for gaining and updating knowledge that is relevant to each team where the post holder is placed, and to attend relevant short training courses. 16. To inform your manager of any service issues which might have implications for the department, ensuring that any concerns about safeguarding children or adults are notified immediately. The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of responsibilities for this post. The duties may vary from time to time without changing their character or level of responsibility. 7

8 MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE: BASE: Social Work Trainee Monmouthshire REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION/QUALIFICATION/ KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE 1.1: GCSE mathematics and English language (or Welsh) Grade C or above or Key Skills level 2 Communication and of Number 1.2: 260 UCAS points to include 180 from 2 A levels or equivalent 1.3: A minimum of 12 weeks (240 hours) of paid or unpaid supervised work experience relevant to social work. COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS 2.1: An ability to communicate well with service users, carers, and colleagues, both verbally and in writing. APTITUDE AND SKILLS 3.1. An ability to work as part of a team, and also to work alone An ability to reflect on and develop one s own practice A commitment to the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. WEIGHTING HIGH/MEDIUM/ LOW HOW TESTED Form Certificates Form Certificates Form Signed reference from supervisor Written test Written test Written test 8

9 A positive attitude and the ability to respond well to change. Equal Opportunities 4.1. A commitment to the County Council's Equal Opportunities Policy An awareness of the Equalities Act and commitment to anti-oppressive practice. Special Circumstances 5.1. Current Full Drivers Licence for which the agreed MCC mileage allowance will be paid 5.2. Registration with the Care Council for Wales Written Test Driving licence Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. 9