A woman smiling with the quote 'You don't feel you're on your own. The support is incredible'.

We're committed to supporting our social workers to progress in their careers with us with three specific routes which are all underpinned by training and support.

These routes include:

  • practice educator
  • aspiring manager
  • practice expert

Practice educator

If you're interested in supporting social work students, then this route is for you.

Following completion of specialist training in respect to Practice Education/development of others, you'll complete Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) 1 whilst assessing a student, and subsequently assess another student to complete PEPS 2.

Once you've completed PEPS1 and PEPS2, you'll be qualified Practice Educators, supporting students on a regular basis.

Aspiring manager

If you're interested in developing your management skills, then this the route for you.

Following completion of the ‘Aspiring Management' programme/relevant preparing for management training which involves supervision training/audit training and deputising for your manager over at least 6 months, then you'll be able to progress in your management career.

Practice expert

If you're passionate and knowledgeable about a particular theme in social work, then this route is for you.

You can undertake training relevant to the specialist role and disseminate this knowledge/advice regularly to colleagues and service areas. One of these routes includes a 15-day course via the Centre for Systemic Social Work.

All routes contribute to the learning culture we are proud to have in Bristol's Children and Families Service.

Hear Gatrine’s story  

All our social workers are inspired and motivated. Discover Gatrine’s path into social work and hear what keeps her dedicated to the job. 

Contact us

If you’re interested in exploring a career as a social worker, get in touch with us recruitment.socialwork@bristol.gov.uk.

If you're a professional requesting information about a child or making a referral, contact First Response.

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