Social Work Progression Framework

Children and Young People's Services has long been committed to good supervision and support for staff who implement policies and procedures in working with children and families.

The supervision process will draw on audit tools to quality assure and performance manage individual workers and assist in their Continuous Professional Development. The Progression Framework assists the worker and their manager to assess the worker's competencies and to follow the protocol to apply for progression within the appropriate organisational structures.

This Framework sets out the criteria and the process for competence based progression. The onus for timely applications rests with the worker and Team Manager following discussion within Performance Development Reviews (PDRs). The notion of external evaluation has been built into the system at Level 3 Social Worker and Principal Practitioner levels.

The system should build on ongoing evaluation and audit of work from the moment a worker takes up post within the Authority.

The Progression Framework allows staff to demonstrate their competence at various levels and benefit from the associated salary scales. Staff will have the opportunity to be fast tracked through the Progression Framework.

 

Social Work Progression

Framework

Caption: Social Worker Band G (Level 1

Social Worker Band G (Level 1) (SCP 29)
Qualification	Degree\Masters in Social Work or Social Work Qualification Essential
Assessment of SCP according to previous experience, assessed at interview.

Caption: Social Worker Band H (Level 2

Social Worker Band H (Level 2) (SCP 32 - 33)
Qualification	Degree\Masters in Social Work or Social Work Qualification Essential

Progression for Newly Qualified Social Workers will be facilitated upon completion of the Assessed & Supported Year in Employment portfolio. All associated paperwork of the ASYE portfolio must be completed.

For Newly Qualified Social Workers eligible to practice (for example previous experience in non-statutory settings or not entered practice), but not eligible for inclusion on the ASYE Department for Education funded programme - the ASYE will still be undertaken. Ultimately, decision making for progression is the responsibility of the area Locality Manager.

Assessment: Team Manager to undertake final assessment of the ASYE jointly with the assigned Social Work Practice Consultant Recommendation on progression then made to responsible Locality Manager for sign off.

Caption: social work band i table"

Social Worker Band I (Level 3) (SCP 34 - 37)
Qualification	Degree/Masters in Social Work or Social Work Qualification Essential. Successful completion of ASYE (pass awarded) (or if pre 2013, successful completion of NQSW portfolio). PQ Award desirable
Post-Qualifying Period	2 years
PDR process identifies application for progression is appropriate.
Team Manager	Assessment

Completion of Part 1 Form (Social Worker's Report)
Completion of Part 2 Form (Line Manager's Report)

Interview with 1 Locality Manager and Team Manager
Locality Manager will audit 4 case files, assess ability to successfully undertake complex work and review performance in relation to timeliness of:

Locality Manager to complete Part 3 Form
(Based on Social Work Audit Tools)

Caption: band j table"

Social Worker Band J (Level 4) (SCP 38 - 41)
Qualification	Degree\Masters in Social Work or Social Work Qualification Essential. PQ Award desirable.
Post-Qualifying Period	3 years
PDR process identifies application for progression is appropriate
Assessment	Locality Manager
Interview Process	Team Manager, Locality Manager and Head of Service. The Head of Service cannot be the responsible HoS for the social worker.

Completion of Part 1 Form (Social Worker's Report)
Completion of Form Part 2 (Line Manager's Report)

Interview with Locality Manager, Head of Service (Independent) and Team Manager
Independent Head of Service will audit 4 case files, assess ability to successfully undertake complex work, review performance in relation to timeliness of assessments and seek evidence of contribution to the professional development of other staff members.

Head of Service to complete Form Part 2
(Based on Social Worker Audit Tools)

Click here for Evaluation Report for Progression

New Applicants at Any Level

Applicants not currently employed by this Local Authority, who are able to demonstrate through application form, assessment at interview and references that they meet the relevant competencies, will be appointed at the respective level, regardless of length of post - qualifying experience. However, where a newly qualified social worker (2 years post-qualifying) applies, in order for consideration they must have successfully completed the ASYE.

Existing Employees

Following discussion within supervision and Performance Development Review, existing employees can apply for fast track progression.