The Academy was created in 2020 to support the professional development of our social care teams and create a Centre of Excellence for social work in Dorset Council.  

Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme 


Our Principal Social Worker oversees the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and works alongside our team of Advanced Practitioners, Practice Educators, experienced Social Work Mentors and our Learning and Development Team.  

Together we deliver an extensive programme that will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to develop your practice with children and families. The programme is delivered in accordance with the Knowledge and Skills Statements for child and family practitioners and the Professional Capabilities Framework.  

This is what you can expect from us:  

  • 1:1 mentoring from one of our experienced social work practitioners. This offers you space to reflect and learn alongside managing your portfolio 
  • 1:1 case supervision from your Team Manager 
  • monthly face-to-face workshops led by the Principal Social Worker (PSW), Advanced Practitioners and guest speakers 
  • access to the mandatory training we have identified to support you in your role 
  • a study day fortnightly to reflect and develop your ASYE portfolio 
  • capped caseload 
  • your progress will be assessed at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

You will benefit from: 

  • access to our comprehensive learning and development offer including coaching and mentoring and Gallup Strengths 
  • access to our employee wellbeing offer and employee benefits scheme   

Testimonial:  

‘Dorset Council has given me a brilliant opportunity and has started off my career in Social Work, from the support at the beginning of the ASYE programme right down to the last day, my experience has been amazing. Support from the professionals has been great, no question was too silly, and the training has been relevant and up to date – which has helped me grow in confidence, experience, and expertise.  

I was treated like a professional and asked for my contribution right from the beginning which made me feel valued as an ASYE Social Worker, I am very grateful to Dorset Council and would recommend them to any ASYEs that want to start of their career right’.

 

Level 2 Social Worker 

Upon successful completion of your ASYE in practice you will move into our career progression pathway. You will have opportunities to participate in our extensive learning and development programme, including coaching and mentoring, to develop the confidence, experience, interests, and knowledge to progress your career.  

Your continuing development is supported by our wellbeing offer, regular supervision and peer reflection sessions.  

You will have an opportunity to undertake the Risk and Decision-Making post graduate module with Bournemouth University.   

As a level 2 social worker you can request the opportunity to act as a peer mentor for one of our newly appointed social workers. This is a be-friending and support role which can prepare you for studying to become a Practice Educator. 

Level 3 and beyond 

At this stage of your career, you will have the opportunity to act as a mentor for one of our newly appointed ASYEs (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment), or to informally mentor your less experienced colleagues.   

You will have the opportunity to apply for a place on the Bournemouth University Practice Education modules to progress your career into Practice Education.    

You will continue to access opportunities for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) through in house training, our partners in the Pan Dorset and Wiltshire.

Teaching Partnership, Research in Practice (RiP), Community Care Inform (CCInform) and the Pan Dorset Safeguarding Children’s Board.  

You will continue to access our wellbeing offer, regular supervision and peer reflection sessions.   

Beyond level 3 we will support you to develop your career dependent on your role and aspirations. 

You may want to apply for specialist CPD courses, for example:  

  • AIM 3 – Adolescent assessment of Harmful Sexual Behaviour   
  • Parenting Assessment Manual (PAMS)  
  • Social Work Leadership Pathways Programme 
  • Improving Organisational and Personal Performance (IPOP)  

There will be opportunities to move into Advanced Practitioner and Team Manager roles dependent on successful application.