Newly Qualified Social Worker - Children\'s Services

Are you just about to finish your Social Work degree course or a recent graduate?

Do you want to work in a social work team that is friendly, compassionate, positive and supportive?

Would you like to join a council that invests in developing our Social Workers through a clear progression pathway?

Look no further, we would love you to join our Social Work Academy here at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council!

Our Children’s Services is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. We are creating an environment where social work practice can thrive, where social workers are encouraged to be innovative and creative to ensure the services we offer to children and families help improve their lives.

We are currently recruiting for 3 x Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW) to complete their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). As a Newly Qualified Social Worker you’ll receive professional development and support throughout your ASYE.

There will be plenty of professional development opportunities based on your own identified needs and areas of interest. Ultimately, we want you to develop high standards of practice so that you can deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and their families throughout your career.

On successful completion of your ASYE, in recognition of your move from NQSW to Social Worker, you’ll also be awarded your next career grade.

Stockton on Tees Borough Council won the \’Supportive Social Work Employer\’ award in the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023 due to our excellent practice as an employer in supporting, leading and championing our social work employees.

We will provide a nurturing environment where your practice will flourish to contribute to positive outcomes for our children, young people and their families. You will work within small friendly teams, have a manageable caseload, and be provided with strong learning resources.

You will also receive extra personal support from an advanced practitioner, regular high quality reflective supervision and a safe space for discussion, bespoke learning and development and excellent post-qualifying opportunities.

We have a highly experienced and dedicated permanent management team who are aspirational for the service. This means you will have a consistent manager and clear direction and support.

You will be working from our new state-of-the-art council office on the riverside in Stockton, with free parking, a great riverside café, and large modern office spaces.

To be considered for interview, you will:

• Have a relevant social work qualification (or awaiting formal award of your qualification)
• Have recently qualified and willing to complete the ASYE programme
• Have a UK Driving Licence and access to a motor vehicle
• Be registered with Social Work England on commencement of your ASYE (If you are a newly qualified candidate awaiting formal award of your degree and confirmed SWE registration, you have the opportunity to start work with us as a Social Care Officer in the interim)
• Have experience of direct work with children, young people and their families
• Be an excellent communicator and problem-solver
• Have a commitment for your own personal development and professional growth

We know and understand that being a social worker is hard work and challenging at times, that’s why we reward you with a very attractive employment offer and excellent benefits. Alongside regular supervision, access to training and shared learning, mental health and well-being support, we offer a wider range of benefits including:

Benefits

• A career progression salary starting from £34,434
• 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service. Ability to purchase additional leave is also available
• Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement
• Your SWE Registration paid for
• Access to a number of employee benefits including salary sacrifice Car Lease Scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, employee assistance programme, physiotherapy and more.

For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website: www.stockton.gov.uk/careers

If you would like an informal discussion about the roles before you apply, then please contact Victoria Robinson, Senior Practitioner Learning Academy via email at victoria.robinson@stockton.gov.uk

We look forward to reading your application.

We are intending to interview 10 February 2026 and you will receive notification through North East Jobs if you have been shortlisted.

Guidance for applicants

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, including your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email after the closing date for notification from \’DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK\’. All communication will also appear in the \’My Messages\’ section of your North East Jobs account.