At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with complex needs and lead safeguarding enquiries.
- Company: Join David Lewis, a leading specialist provider in social care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully funded Social Work degree, and supportive culture.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values your contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with disabilities and knowledge of safeguarding practices required.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 32000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day at David Lewis. At David Lewis, we're passionate about enabling people with complex needs to live their best lives. As one of the UK's leading specialist providers, we support individuals with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism and acquired brain injuries through outstanding education, residential, therapeutic and community services.
We're now looking for either a Trainee Social Worker or a Qualified Social Worker to join our Social Work, Welfare & Experience Team. Whether you're looking to begin your social work career or bring your existing expertise to a unique specialist setting, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference whilst developing your skills in a supportive and values-led organisation.
Why David Lewis?
- Purpose with impact – helping people achieve outcomes that matter to them.
- Growth and development – opportunities to learn, progress and fulfil your potential.
- A supportive culture – working alongside passionate and experienced colleagues who genuinely care.
- Wellbeing and balance – recognising the importance of supporting our people both inside and outside of work.
- Innovation and excellence – continually striving to deliver the very best outcomes for the people we support.
For Trainee Social Workers, we're proud to offer a fully funded BA (Hons) Social Work Degree through the Open University, providing an excellent pathway into a rewarding professional career.
About The Role
This is a rewarding and varied role supporting the people we support, their families and our colleagues across the organisation. You will provide both proactive and responsive social work support, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external professionals to promote positive outcomes and ensure individuals remain at the centre of decision-making.
Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Supporting and, where appropriate, leading safeguarding enquiries and investigations.
- Coordinating safeguarding processes with local authorities and partner agencies.
- Championing the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, ensuring individuals' wishes, views and desired outcomes remain central to all activity.
- Supporting legal frameworks and processes, including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
- Building positive partnerships with families, professionals and stakeholders.
- Contributing to the department's on-call rota.
- Maintaining clear, accurate and professional records.
About You
You’ll be passionate about improving lives and committed to delivering person‑centred support.
You Will Have:
- Experience of working with young people and/or adults with disabilities.
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices and relevant social care legislation.
- Excellent communication, organisational and relationship‑building skills.
- The ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Professional curiosity, resilience and confidence to provide appropriate challenge when required.
Trainee Social Worker Applicants
To be considered for the Trainee Social Worker position, you must hold the entry qualifications required to undertake a BA (Hons) Social Work Degree, which will be fully funded by David Lewis through the Open University.
Closing Date: 3rd September 2026
Be Part of Something Extraordinary
At David Lewis, every role has the power to change lives. If you're looking for a career where your skills, compassion and commitment can help people thrive, we'd love to hear from you. David Lewis is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and proudly welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Social Worker: Transform Lives for Complex Needs employer: David Lewis
At David Lewis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of every team member. Our supportive work culture fosters a sense of community and belonging, where your efforts as a Housekeeper directly enhance the quality of life for those we serve. With opportunities for personal growth and development, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards in a warm and welcoming environment, working with us in Cheshire is not just a job—it's a chance to make a real difference every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker: Transform Lives for Complex Needs
✨Tap Into Local Support Groups
Get involved with local community support groups or charities related to social work. These places are often hubs for networking and can lead to trainee opportunities at organisations like David Lewis. Plus, volunteering can give you hands-on experience that makes your application pop!
✨Connect with University Career Services
If you’re still studying, use your university's career services to find trainee roles in social work. They often have partnerships with organisations and can help set up interviews at places like David Lewis. Don’t underestimate those dedicated programmes; they’re made for people like us!
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, conferences, or networking events in the social work field. These can be fantastic for meeting professionals from organisations like David Lewis and getting insights on what they look for in trainees.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Build a portfolio or a blog where you share your thoughts on social work issues. This not only showcases your passion but also makes you more visible to companies like David Lewis looking for trainees who genuinely care about the field. We can all make a difference, so let your enthusiasm shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker: Transform Lives for Complex Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Talk about experiences that sparked your interest in social work, whether that’s volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. We're looking for trainees who genuinely care – that passion is what makes a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experiences:Even if you haven’t worked in social work before, think about transferable skills from other roles or volunteering. Mention things like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving. Include specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and how they relate to the social work field.
Tailor Your CV for Social Work:When it comes to your CV, make sure to include any relevant qualifications or certifications, like first aid or mental health first responder training. Also, focus on any academic achievements related to social work, such as modules you've taken or projects you’ve completed that showcase your skills in the field.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Be prepared to mention what you hope to gain from the experience at David Lewis. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to develop your skills and make a real impact in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at David Lewis
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key social work theories and frameworks, especially those relevant to the specific role at David Lewis. Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of models like the ecological systems theory or strengths-based approaches, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy
As a trainee in social work, you'll need to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in challenging situations, whether in prior experiences or your studies.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect the interviewers to put you through situational questions that test your problem-solving and crisis management skills. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios you might face as a social worker, focusing on how you would assess and intervene in those situations.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, it’s vital to express your eagerness to learn and grow in your role at David Lewis. Be prepared to discuss what specific skills you hope to develop during the traineeship and how your passion for social work drives your career aspirations.
