Career progression scheme
Apprentices
We offer a 3-year apprenticeship degree programme for current employees interested in pursuing a Social Work Degree within Children's Services. Priority is given to those in Children's Services, however all employees are welcome to apply.
Newly qualified social worker
Medway recruits newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) in October and April each year. You'll have a reduced caseload that builds up over the year. In addition to support from your manager, you'll receive ongoing support from our Practice Development Lead for NQSWs, including monthly workshops.
Social worker
After completing your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), you'll transition to a social worker role, consolidating the knowledge and skills gained.
Progression to experienced social worker level is through a statement of learning.
Experienced social worker
As an experienced social worker, you'll handle more complex cases and further develop your skills.
Progression to senior practitioner level is via an application process.
Senior practitioner
Senior practitioners contribute to the learning and development of others, including:
- mentoring newly qualified social workers
- supervising apprentices
- supporting student placements
- contributing to specialist practice areas.
Progression to assistant team manager is via application.
Assistant team manager
Assistant team managers support team managers in providing greater levels of management oversight in their teams. They support the management of their teams and ensure enhanced outcomes for children and young people through effective partnership working with other council services and partner agencies.
Progression to team manager is via application
Team manager
Team managers motivate, develop, and manage their teams, improving outcomes for children and young people through effective partnership working with other council services and partner agencies.
Service manager
Service managers provide leadership, direction, and guidance to their teams, supporting team managers, senior practitioners, and social workers to ensure high service levels and child safeguarding.
They share responsibility with the head of service for budgets, recruitment, performance, and strategic responsibilities.
Head of service
Heads of service provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction, ensuring high-quality service delivery that reflects Medway’s practice model and delivers positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
They are accountable for the service area budget, performance, and strategic responsibilities, and deputise for the assistant director and other heads of service as needed.