Apprentice Social Worker

Apprentice Social Worker

The closing date is 04 March 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our All Age Disability service for an apprentice social worker in the Integrated Disability Service (IDS), who work with people with learning disabilities. This opportunity does not come along very often and is a fantastic opportunity to undertake your degree in social work whilst undertaking the role of a care navigator. You will work in your service four days a week and then be released on the other day to attend your degree programme at the University of Chester, which starts in September 2026.

Upon successful completion of your degree, you will automatically transfer into a social work position in your team.

As well has having grade C or equivalent in GCSE maths and English, you must have experience of working with adults or children with disabilities. This could be from working in social care provision, the voluntary sector, youth work, or health services. Full training in undertaking statutory assessments will be given, but what is essential is that you have the values and aspirations to support people to be the best that they can be.

Shortlisting for this vacancy is due to commence on 09/03/2026 and the proposed interview date is 17/03/2026

Whilst you study one day a week, you will be employed essentially as a care navigator carrying out assessments, planning creative support plans and supporting carers. You will need to have some experience of working with vulnerable people and have the necessary skills to complete this role.

This includes active listening, good communication and written skills, ability to understand the legal framework we work under and empathy and understanding.

In return, CWP offer the degree apprenticeship programme which will see you finishing three years of study with a degree in social work with no tuition fees, no student debt.

You will need to meet the requirements of the university for entry in September which is essentially Maths and English GCSE at grade C and above, or equivalent qualifications.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.

We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.

Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person‑centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services. All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date.

P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.

Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.

At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.

CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values‑based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.

Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.

An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at:  or by calling

If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available…