Salary: A voluntary agreement to support on the unpaid Return to Social Work Practice ProgrammeHours: FlexibleWorkbase: Carlisle or Workington

Return to Social Work ProgrammeCumberland Council’s Children & Family Wellbeing Directorate is offering a Return to Social Work programme for social workers looking to resume their careers after a break. This initiative is designed to support returnees in completing the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) necessary for re-registering with Social Work England (SWE). Successful applicants will be provided with supervised practice under the guidance of a registered professional, allowing them to refresh their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment as they work towards regaining their SWE registration. Importantly, during this supervised period, there is no requirement to manage a caseload.

Supervised practice will involve shadowing social workers and could include activities such as:

• Offering information, support, and guidance to children, young people, and their families
• Conducting assessments
• Developing care plans
• Applying relevant legislation
• Collaborating with other agencies
• Participating in team and multi-disciplinary meetings and recording case details
• Attending training sessions
• Engaging in other tasks relevant to the setting.

Our Support During the ProgrammeWe are committed to ensuring that those returning to social work have a positive, supportive learning experience and feel like valued team members. Supervisors, managers, and practice educators will work closely with participants to ensure they receive the necessary support and development. Participants will:

• Receive a thorough induction and complete essential mandatory training before starting.
• Access a combination of E-learning, virtual, and in-person training.
• Be assigned a mentor for ongoing support and guidance throughout the programme.
• Attend weekly supervision and caseload management meetings with a social worker.

CPD Requirements for Re-registering with SWEThe amount of CPD required to re-register varies depending on how long someone has been out of practice. For example:

• If absent for 2-5 years, they need to demonstrate at least 30 days of updating their skills, knowledge, and experience.
• If absent for more than 5 years, they must show at least 60 days of updates. *A day is typically counted as 7 hours according to SWE guidelines.

For more detailed guidance on restoration, please visit the SWE website.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have previously been registered as a Social Worker with either the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Social Work England (SWE).
• They must not have been removed from the register due to a listed offence.
• They must not have been subject to a removal order within the last 5 years, OR, if more than 5 years have passed since the order, they must not have made an unsuccessful application to restore their registration within the last 12 months.
• They must not have been convicted of a listed offence.

Steps to Re-register with Social Work EnglandTo start the process of restoring registration, follow the steps provided on the Social Work England (SWE) website. Key requirements include:

Creating an account with SWE.

Providing the following documentation:

• Proof of any name changes (e.g., a certified colour copy of a marriage certificate).
• Qualification details.
• Evidence of updated skills and knowledge (for those absent more than two years).
• Employment history since leaving the register.
• Disclosure of any criminal convictions, cautions, or health conditions not previously reported to SWE, HCPC, or GSCC.
• Details of any fitness-to-practice investigations by a regulatory body.
• Up-to-date proof of English language proficiency (in some cases).

Participants can use their profession towards the return-to-practice hours required for SWE registration.

DBSThis role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with an Adults and Children’s Barred List check. 

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Adults and Children.

Safer RecruitmentAt Cumberland Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.

This is a rolling advert meaning applications will be considered as and when we receive them. If you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you directly to arrange an interview date and time.

If this sounds like you, and you share our passion, then please get in touch!

Looking to return to practice and require Social Work England Restoration?  Get in touch with our Principal Social Worker today via lyndsey.smith@cumbria.gov.uk to discuss options for doing your 30 or 60 day placement.

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