Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to train as a Social Worker within the innovative Crisis Assessment and Triage Team with some experience also extending to the Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital and Intensive Home, services dedicated to placing the lived experiences and mental well-being of young people at the heart of its work.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for people who are passionate about mental health and committed to supporting and empowering young people and their families/carers.
This three-year apprenticeship, with two posts available, combines hands-on experience with academic training through the University of Kent's highly regarded Social Work programme, ranked second in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
About us
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Starting at Band 3, you will progress through each band annually, reaching Band 6 upon qualification.
We encourage applicants without traditional qualifications, as we highly value practical work experience.
Upon successful completion, you will become a fully qualified Social Worker within the Crisis, Assessment and Triage Team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Starting at Band 3, you will progress through each band annually, reaching Band 6 upon qualification.
We encourage applicants without traditional qualifications, as we highly value practical work experience.
Upon successful completion, you will become a fully qualified Social Worker within the Crisis, Assessment and Triage Team.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths GCSE C/4 or equivalent
- English GCSE C/4 or equivalent
- Functional Skills Level 3 or equivalent
- Demonstrates the ability to study at an undergraduate level
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a mental health or social care setting
- Experience of working with children and young people
Desirable
- Experience of understanding of Safeguarding Children and other relevant legislation and policies
- Evidence of Multi Agency Working
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of NHS priorities
Desirable
- Awareness of key legislation/policy relating to children and mental health
Skills
Essential
- Effective communication
- Able to work effectively under pressure
- Ability to manage own time and plan times activities, including building in traveltime
- Good computer literacy
- Flexible and adaptable to needs to the patients
Desirable
- Able to work independently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to evidence understanding and importance of safeguarding and child protection
Other
Essential
- Must be a car driver with a valid driving license or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance
- Must have an immigration status that will cover the entire 3 years of the undergraduate degree
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths GCSE C/4 or equivalent
- English GCSE C/4 or equivalent
- Functional Skills Level 3 or equivalent
- Demonstrates the ability to study at an undergraduate level
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a mental health or social care setting
- Experience of working with children and young people
Desirable
- Experience of understanding of Safeguarding Children and other relevant legislation and policies
- Evidence of Multi Agency Working
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of NHS priorities
Desirable
- Awareness of key legislation/policy relating to children and mental health
Skills
Essential
- Effective communication
- Able to work effectively under pressure
- Ability to manage own time and plan times activities, including building in traveltime
- Good computer literacy
- Flexible and adaptable to needs to the patients
Desirable
- Able to work independently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to evidence understanding and importance of safeguarding and child protection
Other
Essential
- Must be a car driver with a valid driving license or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance
- Must have an immigration status that will cover the entire 3 years of the undergraduate degree
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
