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- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing through hands-on experience.
- Company: Join a leading children's charity dedicated to social work.
- Benefits: Fully funded training, tax-free bursary, and career-long support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable qualifications.
- Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; empathy and commitment are key.
- Other info: Limited places available; apply now to secure your future in social work.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 34000 ÂŁ per year.
Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.
Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026.
As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.
On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support.
On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work.
What to expect
Year one:
- Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
- Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
- Receive a tax-free bursary of ÂŁ18,000 or ÂŁ20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs
Year two and three:
- Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs)
- Keep working towards your social work master’s degree
- Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development
It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.
As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means:
- Visiting a child at home or school
- Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances
- Working with teachers, health professionals or police
- Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child
It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.
Who we’re looking for:
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds.
You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant.
What you need:
- Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)
- Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
- Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)
- Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
- Not be a qualified social worker
Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort.
Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers. Get qualified. Get hired. Make a difference. Apply Now!
Trainee Social Worker in Darlington employer: The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work)
Contact Detail:
The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Social Worker in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or alumni from the programme. They can give you insider tips and might even help you land an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've shown empathy and resilience, as these are key traits in social work.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with recruiters, share why you want to make a difference in children's lives. Authenticity goes a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for social work and your commitment to making a difference. Share your personal experiences and values that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that show you understand the challenges and rewards of working in children's social work. This will help us see why you're a great fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention any transferable skills you have, like empathy, resilience, and strong judgement. These are key in social work, and we want to know how you've demonstrated these in your life or previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity. Don’t miss out on your chance to join the 2026 cohort!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work)
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the principles of social work. Be ready to discuss your commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, as these are crucial in this field.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your empathy and resilience. Whether it's a volunteer role or a challenging situation, showing how you’ve supported others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Approach Social Work programme and its objectives. Understanding the structure, the support provided, and the skills you’ll develop will help you articulate why you’re a great fit for the role and how you can contribute.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the types of cases you’ll be working on or how the programme supports ongoing professional development.
