Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship

Program Overview

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The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship integrates professional and educational requirements for social work practice. Apprentices gain knowledge in social work theory, law, and policy, while developing skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship-building. The program includes multi-professional learning, a social science knowledge base, and off-the-job learning, preparing apprentices for careers in social work and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship is a program designed to integrate the professional and educational requirements needed to qualify and practice as a social worker. It equips apprentices with the knowledge and skills required to work with individuals and communities facing social challenges.

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Objectives:

Upon completion, apprentices will be equipped with:

• Ability to analyze, evaluate and critically apply social work theory and knowledge
• Well-developed self-managed skills in decision-making and problem-solving
• Deep understanding of the tasks, responsibilities, and accountability of social workers
• Up-to-date knowledge of social policy, law, and relevant practice guidance
• Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with service users and carers

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Program Description:

• Multi-professional learning: Apprentices engage in joint learning sessions with students of nursing, occupational therapy, midwifery, and other related fields, fostering understanding and collaboration across disciplines.
• Social science knowledge base: Focuses on the social science basis of social work, with contributions from criminology, psychology, sociology, and social policy.
• Off-the-job learning: Apprentices spend a minimum of 20% of paid working hours on studies, engaging in activities that further their development in new areas.
• Employer support: Employers are required to support the apprentice through a three-year program and facilitate their commitment to attending university sessions.

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Additional Notes:

• The program starts in September 2024.
• Application deadline is June 2024.
• The program is accredited by Social Work England.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Introduction to Social Work Practice
• Contemporary Social Inequalities
• Human Growth and Development
• Preparing for Social Work Practice
• Law for Social Workers
• Experts by Experience: Identity, Needs and Resources
• Social Work Practice with Children and Families
• Social Work Practice with Adults
• Practice Learning 1
• Critical Social Work
• Social Work Dissertation
• Contemporary Social Work
• Practice Learning 2
• Social Work End Point Assessment

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Program Structure:

• Three-year program
• Blended learning approach with a combination of university sessions and workplace learning.

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Module Descriptions:

• Introduction to Social Work Practice: Introduces the core concepts, values, and principles of social work.
• Contemporary Social Inequalities: Examines social inequalities such as poverty, discrimination, and exclusion, and their impact on individuals and communities.
• Human Growth and Development: Explores human development across the lifespan and considers the impact of social factors on individuals and families.
• Preparing for Social Work Practice: Develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with service users and carers.
• Law for Social Workers: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework relevant to social work practice.
• Experts by Experience: Identity, Needs and Resources: Explores the role of lived experience in social work practice and engages with individuals who have experienced social challenges.
• Social Work Practice with Children and Families: Focuses on social work practice with children, young people, and families, and examines issues such as child protection and family support.
• Social Work Practice with Adults: Examines social work practice with adults facing a range of challenges, such as mental health issues, physical disabilities, and substance misuse.
• Practice Learning 1: Provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world social work setting under the supervision of a qualified social worker.
• Critical Social Work: Examines critical theories and approaches to social work practice and challenges traditional perspectives on social issues.
• Social Work Dissertation: Allows apprentices to undertake an independent research project on a topic related to social work.
• Contemporary Social Work: Examines current trends, challenges, and debates within the social work profession.
• Practice Learning 2: Builds upon the skills and knowledge developed in Practice Learning 1 and allows apprentices to take on more responsibility and work independently.
• Social Work End Point Assessment: A final assessment that tests the apprentices' competence to practice as a qualified social worker.

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Careers:

• Social Worker
• Child Protection Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Probation Officer

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Other:

• Apprentices will be equipped to work effectively in a range of settings, including local authorities, charities, and the NHS.
• The program prepares graduates for further professional development and leadership roles within the social work field.
• Apprentices will have the opportunity to network with other professionals and develop valuable contacts within the social work sector.