Jobs

Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?

Westmorland and Furness, as part of the Yorkshire and Humberside Partnership, are delighted to offer 2026 placement opportunities, to successful candidates, who are looking to make a difference in the lives of our Children and Families. 

Step Up To Social Work is 14-month, full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of child and family social workers supporting vulnerable children, young people and families in Westmorland and Furness.

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support. 

The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work. On the 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements with our passionate and dedicated social work teams, whilst undertaking your qualification. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition on the programme and provides a tax-free bursary of £21,995 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training.  

Step Up to Social Work entry criteria

We are looking for dedicated individuals who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities that we serve.

To apply to the programme, you’ll need to have:

• a minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6), or if you're in your final year, you can apply with a 2:2 minimum predicted grade from your university.
   
• 6 months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults
   
• A GCSE in English or English language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)

During placements there will be a requirement to travel on a regular basis to undertake duties both within and outside of the county.

Apply Now

Recruitment for the programme is now open, with assessment centres scheduled for June/July 2025, and a January 2026 programme start date. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply!

Please visit the Step Up to Social Work website to submit your application.

Closing Date: 12pm on 25th March 2025

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.