Social Worker Apprentice – Adult’s and Children’s Social Care

Role Responsibility

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults, children, young people and families?

Are you eager to learn and grow in the field of social work whilst earning a salary?

We are excited to announce 20 Social Worker Apprenticeship positions across the county, offering you a unique opportunity to train and qualify as a Social Worker. This entry route allows you to gain experience on the job whilst studying for a fully funded Social Work degree, through the apprenticeship levy. There will be the opportunity to progress to Newly Qualified Social Worker positions upon completion.

Through the 3 ½-year apprenticeship programme you will gain experience of social work services within Kent County Council, developing a full range of social work values, knowledge and skills that are required to improve the lives of those we support. You will undertake a programme of learning through work experience, academic study and assessed placements. You will be expected to:

• Work alongside experienced social workers to support vulnerable children, adults with a need for care and support and their families.

• Assist in assessments, case management and intervention planning.

•  Build meaningful relationships with children and their caregivers, adults and their families and unpaid carers.

• Regularly attend university teaching sessions, workshops, seminars and tutorials to develop your skills and knowledge.

For more information about being a social worker in Kent, please see here: Children's Social Work, Adult's Social Work. For more information about being an apprentice in Kent, please see here. 

If you are looking to start your career in Social Work, then this could be the career development opportunity for you.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.

The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Kent.

This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving License – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.

Please note you will be shortlisted based on your application and the answers you provide so please complete these in full, ensuring you give yourself enough time to complete the application form.

Closing Date for applications: Midnight on 26th May 2025 (for those who do not have the required 120 UCAS points you will be required to complete a supplementary 1000-word essay question as part of your application, so please ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete this)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a University Written Online test: 18th June, this will be sent from HR Connect and will be required to be completed by 9am 25th June.

Those Candidates who have been shortlisted following the written test will be invited to attend the interview and assessment centre:  W/C 23rd June 2025.

Interview and assessment centre: 7th July 2025 with a back up on 9th July 2025 (please save both dates)

Please note at interview you will be required to bring copies of your qualifications and right to work in the UK documentation.

Start Date: Successful applicants will join KCC on 29th September 2025 and enrol with the university on 6th October 2025.

Contact Details

The social care recruitment team on 0331 6309541 or at SocialCareRecruitment@hrconnect.org.uk

If you have any questions in relation to the qualification requirements and eligibility to enrol in the apprenticeship scheme then please contact recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk who will be able to answer any of your queries.

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let’s talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.