Here at North Yorkshire Council, we are extremely proud of the work our Children’s Services do, having been rated as Outstanding across all areas by Ofsted. We are now pleased to be offering the opportunity for those seeking to join our Children and Families service to become a Trainee Social Worker.

We have developed a number of trainee social work opportunities across the county in order to support our social work teams in their delivery of our Strength in Relationships practice model. 

This is a great opportunity to join North Yorkshire Council Children and Young People’s Service Directorate. We are always seeking talented individuals who are residents in our county and have the skills, ambition and creativity required to undertake a social work apprenticeship with us.

Join us as a trainee social worker and you will receive a structured induction and the opportunity to train. This will include the social work apprenticeship degree (36 months) or the Higher Degree Post Graduate Diploma (17 months) for those who already have a degree.

Are you currently working with children and families and think you might want to become a social worker?

What do you need?

• You must have experience of direct work with children and their families of at least 12 months.
• You must be able to evidence that you have developed relevant social work values, knowledge and skills (as these will be assessed at all stages of the recruitment and selection process). Please click here for more details.
• The minimum academic requirements are Maths and English Language at GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) which you will need to provide evidence at the pre-screening stage.

• A full driver’s licence (with use of a car) and the ability to travel around the area you will be working in visiting children and their families.
• You will need an enhanced DBS and meet safer recruitment requirements.
• A positive and committed approach with the ability to work with challenging circumstances.

What will you get from us?

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to complete a BA (Honours) Social Work Degree (via the Open University) or the Higher Degree Post Graduate Diploma whilst you work and learn.

• Grade I, salary starting from £34,434 up to £38,220 per annum
• Great support from our social work professional learning team alongside the team you are placed in.
• Experienced practice educators and advanced practitioners across teams.
• A solid understanding of the social work role and social work practice within North Yorkshire and a permanent social work job once you qualify.
• Extensive in-house training opportunities to build your skills and knowledge.

Contacts

For an informal discussion about the role or to find out more please contact:

Emma Morgan, Social Work Professional Learning and Development Team Leader via email at Emma.morgan@northyorks.gov.uk or Greta Hofman, Social work Professional Learning and Development Officer, via email at Greta.Hofman@northyorks.gov.uk or Samantha Clayton, Head of Effective Practice, via email at Samantha.Clayton@northyorks.gov.uk

To apply

Please follow the link to complete an application form. In the supporting evidence please state why you would like to be a qualified social worker and list your experience working with children and families. To be in the best position to secure an interview, you will need to use your personal statement to evidence how you meet the job criteria.

If you are successful in being shortlisted, you will receive a phone call to discuss your application form further.

Key dates                         

Closing date: Sunday 8^th March 2026

Interview date: Saturday 14^th March 2026 at County Hall, Northallerton. Please note, there may not be availability for alternative interview dates.

Key documents

Job Description

Total Rewards Brochure

Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post. 

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.