Asye positions for newly qualified social workers

About the role

Room to practise. Support to grow.

Start your social work career where practice comes first.

We are looking for newly qualified, dynamic, and passionate Social Workers to join our Adult Social Care teams.

At Dorset Council, you’ll find the space to develop your practice properly, with manageable caseloads, meaningful supervision, and supportive teams that help you build confidence step by step.

Our Adult Social Care service is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), recognising the strength of our practice, leadership, and workforce culture. Inspectors highlighted a service where there is a “clear sense of community”, with leaders and partners working positively together to meet the needs of local people.

Colleagues describe peer support as “unbeatable”. That’s what makes Dorset different, you’re never developing your practice alone.

Practise to grow

We don’t just offer an ASYE, we create the right conditions for you to become the social worker you want to be.

Dorset demonstrates a “strong and ongoing commitment to workforce development”, with a culture built around learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.

You’ll benefit from:

• A structured and supportive ASYE programme with protected caseload and dedicated development time
• A learning offer that is “highly praised by all staff”, including mentoring, coaching, RIPFA courses, and access to Community Care Inform
• Regular, reflective supervision in a service recognised for “visible leadership” and “robust management arrangements”
• Clear progression routes, with opportunities to move between teams after ASYE

We also offer a flexible working culture, strong wellbeing support, and accessible opportunities for career progression so you can grow in a way that works for you.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Undertake strengths‑based assessments, support planning, and reviews to achieve positive outcomes and promote independence
• Work collaboratively within your team and across health, housing, and community services
• Contribute to multi‑disciplinary practice, supporting people with complex needs

From the start, you’ll be supported to apply key legislation confidently, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 2007; developing the skills and judgement needed for safe, effective practice.

What matters to the people we support

In a recent workshop, people told us that social work is “not just a job”.

They want professionals who:

• listen without interrupting
• follow through on what they say
• think creatively
• and genuinely care

This reflects what inspectors see in our service: a culture where relationships matter, and people are treated with respect, compassion, and understanding.

About you

You are committed to person‑centred, strengths‑based practice in action and not just in words.

You’ll also bring:

• Curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• The confidence to build relationships and grow through challenge

You’re someone who wants to develop. Not just do the role but grow into it.

What you’ll need

• Degree in Social Work (newly qualified or due to qualify in 2026)
• Registered with Social Work England, or eligible to register
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Right to work in the UK (relocation expenses are not available)

Why join Dorset

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Minimum 27 days annual leave (plus option to buy more)
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Supportive teams with a strong local identity

Where you’ll be based

We currently have opportunities in:

• Home First Hospital Discharge Team (West Dorset)
• Other roles to be confirmed

Further Information

• Interviews will be held in person at County Hall in Dorchester on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2026.
• Contract: Full time (37 hours per week)
• DBS check required

If you choose to use AI tools, please ensure your application accurately represents your own knowledge, experience, and authentic voice.

pahcentralisedrecruitment@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK‑based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.