At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families while developing your social work skills in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Cornwall Council, committed to improving lives and supporting staff.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and relocation package.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must be a recent social work graduate and registered with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Build Your Practice. Be Supported. Make a Difference. A fantastic opportunity to start a career in children’s social work as the first supported step of quality long term career development.
The Service and Team
Cornwall isn’t just a fantastic place to live, it’s an inspiring place to begin your social work career. Fresh from our ‘Good with Outstanding features’ Ofsted judgement (July 2024), children’s services in Cornwall are on an ambitious journey of improvement, grounded in strong leadership, reflective practice and a clear focus on outcomes for children and families.
Our transformed Family Help model brings together the best of Early Help and Child in Need practice, co‑designed with practitioners to deliver effective, compassionate and truly child‑centred support. We invest where it matters most: every Family Help Team is strengthened by integrated domestic abuse expertise and dedicated clinical psychology input, and families benefit from strong participation approaches including Family Group Conferencing, Family Led Meetings, and consistent use of genograms and ecomaps.
We believe that the children of Cornwall deserve the very best. We put their needs at the heart of everything we do and we are looking for Newly Qualified Social Workers who share our determination to improve lives and help build brighter futures. If you are committed to continuing professional development and believe in compassionate, relationship‑based social work with children and families, this is an excellent opportunity to launch your career within an innovative and supportive children’s service, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
The Role
This role is part of the Department for Education (DfE) Early Career Development Framework Programme, an employer‑led induction designed to support Newly Qualified Social Workers in the early stage of practice working with children and families. You will benefit from a structured, nurturing and high‑quality program, including:
- A tailored induction within a direct practice team
- Support from a dedicated Practice Educator and Learning Buddy
- A bespoke learning plan, reviewed throughout the year
- An outstanding core curriculum of evidence‑based learning and development
- Bespoke practice workshops alongside NQSW colleagues across the service
- Monthly ASYE peer support meetings
- A protected and gradually increasing caseload
- Regular reflective supervision
The role focuses on developing confident, reflective practitioners whose work prioritises positive outcomes for children and families, relational practice, consistency and long‑term professional growth. This is a public/customer‑facing role, where the statutory English language requirement applies. Appointment is subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
To apply, you must:
- Have qualified on a relevant social work course within the last two years
- Be registered with Social Work England
- Due to the rural nature of Cornwall, this role requires travel to locations not always served by public transport; therefore, a full, clean driving licence is essential.
What You’ll Get in Return
Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high‑performing council, and a learning organisation. We are committed to supporting our workforce through flexible working, strong leadership and a comprehensive rewards and benefits package. In recognition of the vital contribution you make, we offer:
- A competitive starting salary, with progression as you develop
- A generous relocation package
- An outstanding career and qualification pathway, recognised by Ofsted
- Access to the Cornwall Council lease car scheme
- 26 days paid annual leave (rising to 29 with service), plus bank holidays
- Flexible working and home‑working opportunities
- Full access to Community Care Inform and Research in Practice
- Annual payment of your Social Work England registration fees
Newly Qualified Social Worker (Children's) employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
Cornwall Council is an exceptional employer for Newly Qualified Social Workers, offering a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and compassionate practice. With a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and families, employees benefit from tailored induction programmes, ongoing mentorship, and a generous rewards package, all set in the stunning backdrop of Cornwall. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a clear pathway for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Social Worker (Children's)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other social workers, attend local events, or join online forums. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of hearing about job openings and getting referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews can be a game changer. Grab a friend or mentor and run through common questions. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for children’s social work! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your experiences and why you care about making a difference. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team in Cornwall!
We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualified Social Worker (Children's)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through. Share why you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, and how your values align with our commitment to compassionate, child-centred support.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experiences from your studies or placements that demonstrate your skills and understanding of children's social work. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious journey of improvement!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic team in Cornwall.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Training Brokers Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest practices in children's social work, especially those highlighted in the job description. Brush up on the Family Help model and how it integrates with Early Help and Child in Need practices. This shows your commitment to the role and that you’re ready to make a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for improving the lives of children and families shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in social work. This will help the interviewers see your genuine dedication to the field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and professional development opportunities available. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Be ready to discuss how you approach reflective practice in your work. Share examples of how you’ve learned from past experiences and how you plan to continue developing as a practitioner. This aligns perfectly with the focus on confident, reflective practitioners that the role emphasises.
