Children's Social Work Academy

The Children's Social Work Academy is a great way for student and recently qualified social workers to take their first steps in their career.

Calling all newly qualified Social Workers

Are you a Student Social Worker who is nearing the end of their qualification or recently qualified? Are you interested in a Career with Redcar & Cleveland Children’s Services? 

image reads children's social work academy.

Our Social Work Academy will give you a great grounding for your career so that you flourish and have the tools, experiences, and support to do your job well! 

It is a great time to join our workforce within Children’s Services, with great opportunities to develop your learning, ongoing training to improve practice, a clear way to progress through our progression pathway with an amazing team that celebrates success.

The Academy offers social workers who are newly qualified a positive and strong induction into statutory children’s social work, promoting the development in the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of social work practice to ensure that children’s outcomes are positive.

We have a great offer for our NQSWs.

  • We will assure high levels of supervision at early stages, promoting critical reflective practice which supports judgement and decision making and promotes emotional resilience.
  • We will ensure that NQSW feel part of Redcar and Cleveland Children’s Services and are able to build an empowering supportive network around them to become competent and confident practitioners.
  • We will provide 12 months of core social work learning from an experienced social work team.
  • These 12 months will provide NQSWs reflective time to explore the work that they have shadowed in their host teams to consider the process and interventions involved, relevant research, theories, and models whilst critically reflecting upon the impact of their interventions for the children and families.
  • A bespoke ASYE year facilitated by our ASYE coordinator. 
  • Support and training in a range of practice models including Signs of Safety, Trauma Informed and Family Focused, so that this practice naturally informs assessments and interventions with children and their families.
  • Offer NQSWs opportunities to shadow work with children living in complex situations including children who are: Children in our care, children who have child protection plans and child in need plans, to prepare NQSWs for more independent practice as their experience grows.

Follow the Children's Social Work Academy on X (formerly Twitter) for more information and updates about the academy.

Staff testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from some of our current team members about their experience with the Children's Social Work Academy.

Sarah said:

I have worked in RCBC for over 2 years now, having worked in Children’s Services for almost 20. I can say sincerely that I have never felt as supported, valued and ‘heard’ as an employee, as I have during my time here. 

I have the benefit of the most supportive line manager, as well as wider support from the senior leadership team who have an active and consistent presence. 

I have to say my most favourite thing about RCBC is the culture; one of learning, integrity, support and respect. Everyone is valued.  

Kelly said:

I have worked for Redcar & Cleveland Children’s Services for 12 years, starting my career as a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) and I’m now in my dream role as an Advanced Practitioner.  The support I have had from Team Managers and Senior Managers is outstanding and we actually feel like a family.  

I couldn’t imagine working for any other Local Authority.  As employees, we have staff benefits with discount (with I.D.) in local shops and leisure centres, we start with 29 days annual leave, which increases to 34 days after 5 years of service and the starting wage as NQSW is generous.  

The on-going training is of exceptional quality and relevance so we are always up to date with our practice and research.  What I love about Redcar & Cleveland is that they truly believe change can only happen if we build positive relationships with the families (and colleagues and external agencies) we work with; we have an ethos that if we sit down WITH our families and talk honestly and respectfully about our worries, then we can make positive changes by coming up with solutions together to make children’s lives happier, healthier and where they always feel loved and safe.

Chelsea said:

So far I love working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council I feel very supported within my role, from my colleagues, to the advanced practitioners, managers and HR everyone is approachable, understanding and very supportive. 

I feel like the Local Authorities approach is such a great way of supporting and encouraging families and the way I have always wished to work, to work with children and families to support them. I feel like everyone’s approach is very positive and they want to make that difference for every child(re) and their families. 

It is a positive place to work and a place I feel very welcome and part of a big team.