Newly Qualified Social Worker

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Various locations across the County

Salary: £33,129 - £38,776 per annum (pro rata for part time) Entry level of Grade 9 £ 33,129 per annum, until full social work registration is granted, increasing to the top level of Grade 9 £ 35,493,
with market premia of £3283 per annum once full social work registration is granted and for the duration of the ASYE program, taking the salary to £38,776 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

Interview Date(s): 25th November 2026
- noting that candidates must be able to start employment by 31st January 2027 to accept and take up our ASYE offer.

Have you been qualified as a Social Worker or are you due to qualify? Do you want to work with Leicestershire's "Outstanding" Children and Family services? We are welcoming applications from candidates with the enthusiasm to learn and a passion for working with children and families.

Read more about our Outstanding Ofsted rating here and find out more from our staff here.

We value and support our Newly Qualified Social Workers. We believe the foundations of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) are paramount to building confident Social Workers and so we are really proud of our ASYE Program and the support we offer to Newly Qualified Social Workers in helping them develop and advance their careers with us.

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker on our ASYE Program, you will receive:

• Entry-level pay at Grade 9 (£33,129) until full Social Work England registration is achieved, with an increase to the top of Grade 9 (£38,776) (inclusive of Market Premium £3,283) upon registration.
• Protected and reduced caseloads during the ASYE year.
• Dedicated support from the ASYE Co-ordinator, regular network meetings with other ASYEs.
• Monthly reflective supervision with a practice mentor, in addition to supervision with your team manager.
• Intensive induction and tailored ASYE training.
• Working as part of the social work teams to increase knowledge and understanding including co-working with experienced colleagues.

For further information about our ASYE Program, including helpful videos and testimonials, please visit our website here.

We currently have vacancies across various service areas, which will be discussed with you at interview.

An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.

For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement.

To apply for this post, you must respond to and evidence the following 7 essential criteria within your personal statement. This should be no more than 1,000 words.

Please note that previous applicants need not re-apply as all prior submissions have been reviewed.

• Hold a Social Work degree or equivalent (e.g. CQSW, DipSW) specialising in children's services within the last two years or expect to qualify within the next year. You must also be registered with Social Work England or expect registration upon qualifying.
• You must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence (or be able to convert your current licence) AND have access to a vehicle.
• Have experience of working with children and families, knowledge of childcare legislation and Local Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures, particularly in relation to child protection and child in need. Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinning of social work practice and models used.
• Have an awareness of the cultural, racial, linguistic, and religious backgrounds of children, young people, and families applying inclusion principles in practice across your work.
• Hold strong…