Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen in our All Age Disability service for an apprentice social worker in the Integrated Disability Service (IDS), who work with people with learning disabilities. This opportunity does not come along very often and is a fantastic opportunity to undertake your degree in social work whilst undertaking the role of a care navigator. You will work in your service four days a week and then be released on the other day to attend your degree programme at the University of Chester, which starts in September 2026. Upon successful completion of your degree, you will automatically transfer into a social work position in your team.
As well has having grade C or equivalent in GCSE maths and English, you must have experience of working with adults or children with disabilities. This could be from working in social care provision, the voluntary sector, youth work, or health services. Full training in undertaking statutory assessments will be given, but what is essential is that you have the values and aspirations to support people to be the best that they can be.
Shortlisting for this vacancy is due to commence on 09/03/2026 and the proposed interview date is 17/03/2026
Main duties of the job
Whilst you study one day a week, you will be employed essentially as a care navigator carrying our assessments, planning creative support plans and supporting carers. You will need to have some experience of working with vulnerable people and have the necessary skills to complete this role.
This includes active listening, good communication and written skills, ability to understand the legal framework we work under and empathy and understanding.
In return, CWP offer the degree apprenticeship programme which will see you finishing three years of study with a degree in social work with no tuition fees, no student debt.
You will need to meet the requirements of the university for entry in September which is essentially Maths and English GCSE at grade C and above, or equivalent qualifications.
About us
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.
We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.
Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.
At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.
At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Diploma in Health and Social Care (or relevant, demonstrable experience)
- GCSE C or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English
Desirable
- Up to date, relevant training (eg Care Act, MCA, safeguarding)
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding the needs of people who require social care support
- Awareness of the legislation that informs social work practice
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
- Able to communicate verbally and in writing with a range of people including carers and professionals
- Able to demonstrate organisation skills
- Good assessment and interviewing skills
- Ability to work to the academic level required for a degree programme
Desirable
- Understanding the needs of people with learning disabilities
- In depth knowledge of a wide range of legislation that impacts on social work practice
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working directly with people who are in need of social care support
- Experience of carrying out assessments of need
- Experience working alongside other health and/or social care professionals to support vulnerable people
- Be able to evidence a strength based approach when working with vulnerable people
- Experience of reviewing the needs of vulnerable people
- Demonstrate appropriate IT skills including Microsoft office
Desirable
- Proven experience of working directly with people with complex needs and learning disabilities
- Direct involvemnt in MCA and Care Act assessments
- Experience of developing packages of support for people
- Experience of using health and/or social care databases
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Diploma in Health and Social Care (or relevant, demonstrable experience)
- GCSE C or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English
Desirable
- Up to date, relevant training (eg Care Act, MCA, safeguarding)
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding the needs of people who require social care support
- Awareness of the legislation that informs social work practice
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
- Able to communicate verbally and in writing with a range of people including carers and professionals
- Able to demonstrate organisation skills
- Good assessment and interviewing skills
- Ability to work to the academic level required for a degree programme
Desirable
- Understanding the needs of people with learning disabilities
- In depth knowledge of a wide range of legislation that impacts on social work practice
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working directly with people who are in need of social care support
- Experience of carrying out assessments of need
- Experience working alongside other health and/or social care professionals to support vulnerable people
- Be able to evidence a strength based approach when working with vulnerable people
- Experience of reviewing the needs of vulnerable people
- Demonstrate appropriate IT skills including Microsoft office
Desirable
- Proven experience of working directly with people with complex needs and learning disabilities
- Direct involvemnt in MCA and Care Act assessments
- Experience of developing packages of support for people
- Experience of using health and/or social care databases
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
