The scheme is part of the County’s strategy to ensure there are enough social workers to work in East Sussex, despite the national shortage.
Under the scheme, trainees gain valuable work experience with the Council before entering full time education to do a social work degree. The trainees then return to East Sussex Social Services Department to work as qualified social workers for a minimum of two years.
During the initial period of work experience, trainees work alongside qualified social workers and learn about services for both vulnerable adults, and children.
As County Council employees, the trainees are paid during their work experience and given additional financial support throughout their degree.
From the very start of the programme, the trainees are eligible for a Local Authority Pension and other statutory benefits.
David Archibald, Director of East Sussex County Council Social Services, said, "By introducing this trainee scheme we hope to provide the means for people who may otherwise be put off, possibly because of financial constraints, to train – or re-train – as social workers."
In order to invest in staff development and improve job satisfaction three of this year’s six places were given to existing, but unqualified, social work staff within the Department.
David Archibald continued, "Social work is a rewarding career which is crucial in providing care for vulnerable people. This scheme will ensure that we have enough qualified social workers to provide services in East Sussex."
The scheme, which is partly funded by the Government and supported by Sussex and Brighton Universities, will be repeated annually to further increase the number of fully trained social workers as well as the standard of care available to East Sussex residents.
Reference:
04/164/HP
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