Learning and Development for Social Workers in Monmouthshire County Council
In Monmouthshire County Council we want social workers to have the right opportunities to learn and develop. We follow the Care Council for Wales’ Continuing Professional Education and Development Framework to support social workers at all stages of their careers. We offer a comprehensive training programme, and our Staff Development Officer meets all new staff members during their induction to help them plan training that will support their role and enable them to gain new knowledge and skills.
Newly Qualified Social Workers
We welcome newly qualified social workers, and our First Year in Practice support includes regular supervision, a learning and development plan, and a range of core training courses. Our Newly Qualified Social Workers’ group gives an opportunity to meet other newly qualified social workers, share experiences, gain information and support, and learn more about the Consolidation Programme you will undertake in your second year of practice. We help social workers attend the four short courses they need before beginning their Consolidation Programme: Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding, Domestic Violence and Substance Misuse.
The Consolidation Programme:
We support social workers in their second year of practice to enrol on the Consolidation Programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University or the University of South Wales. This Programme is required for re-registration for all social workers who qualify from 2016 onward. It is assessed through a portfolio which enables you to demonstrate your ability to carry out increasingly complex work. We provide informal support throughout the Consolidation Programme, along with study leave.
Experienced Social Workers
We support experienced social workers to continue their learning and development, helping them identify where they would like to further develop their knowledge and skills. Along with a comprehensive range of core training, we arrange places on accredited post-qualifying programmes which include the Experienced Practitioner Programme and Senior Practitioner Programme. We also support experienced social workers to become practice assessors for social work students. Study leave is provided for all post-qualifying programmes.
Practice Assessor Programme:
This programme leads to a qualification in practice assessing, and can be taken at degree or masters level at The University of South Wales or Cardiff University. As a practice assessor, you will also be invited to regular workshops provided by Monmouthshire County Council’s Practice Learning Development Officer. We always welcome applications for this programme, as we arrange 30 practice learning opportunities for social work degree or masters students each year.
Experienced Practitioner Programme and Senior Practitioner Programme
These national two-year programmes for experienced social workers and senior practitioners are provided by Cardiff University and lead to masters level awards. Candidates can consider taking individual modules to gradually build their post-qualifying award. The link will provide more information.
For more information about training and development for social workers in Monmouthshire County Council please contact the Staff Development Officer on 07825 256751.
