Social Work Degree Apprenticeship, Social Services at Kent County Council

The following is a Apprentice Review for Kent County Council.

Kent County Council scores 3.8/5 based on 110 reviews.

All reviews are based exclusively on results of feedback from employees from Kent County Council. Employees are asked to rate Kent County Council on a wide range of work place topics, which is broken down through star ratings on the right hand side.

To find out how your Apprentices can leave reviews of your company, please contact our Brand Manager Grant on 01825 725291.

What are the Best and Worst things about your job?

Best

Carrying out direct work with clients and achieving positive outcomes for them. I love the direct work, visiting clients at home and in the community. I know this only one element of the role and the written work and processes are also integral, but this is my favourite part of the job, communicating face to face with clients. Particularly those who have been waiting for a care needs assessment and then conducting this is a highly person-centred way and sourcing support that will improve the person's life.

Worst

I think for me, following detailed processes on the system we use is one I still am learning, even after nearly three years in the role. I have never been strong with systems, and I know this is really integral part of the role. I am always willing to ask for help though and not afraid to ask if I am unsure about anything.

There have been many changes in adult social care since I started in the role. I sometimes find change a little difficult but equally accept that change can be really positive.

I have struggled a little with delivering presentations and public speaking, but having said that, the more we have done this as part of the apprenticeship, the easier it is getting and I am now much more confident in this area.

What is the annual salary for this role?

Starting salary: £23,000 - £25,000

Current salary: £23,000 - £25,000

What advice would you give to someone applying to this role?

To ensure you don't downplay your skill set you hold in your application; those skills you hold already being in the job is a huge advantage.

To ensure you include all relevant experience and not miss anything out as I knew that having worked in the health and social care sector for many years, I had gained alot of experience over time that I could apply to the degree.

I struggle with selling myself, but actually, I think this was an important part of the application, as the course is very popular and I knew there would be lots of applicants.

I think it is important to have confidence in your experience and skillls and to be able to be confident to put this on the form. I didn't do this initially as much as I perhaps could, but I went back to my application, reviewed it and added more information that was important in hindsight.

Do you have any interview tips?

Again to have confidence in the 1:1 interview to draw on cases you have worked on and think carefully prior to the interview about those cases that have challenged you/have been complex in nature for example.

During the group interview, it is important to have read the case study well in advance so you feel prepped. There were a number of people at the group interivew so it is also crucial to feel confident to give your input and have your voice heard during the process, without talking over and interrupting other candidates.