Student Social Workers
“I was amazed to see the growth of the young people and how they develop their independent skills and work hard to create a bright future.”
Colleague
Education and Participation Lead
Inicio are proud to be partnered with more than 10 universities across England, providing 1st and 3rd year non-statutory student social worker placements. Our students deliver a vital lifeline of support to young people and our employed workforce.
Our Youth participation manager leads on relationships with our partner universities and co-ordinates our student social worker programme. Our placements offer meaningful, hands-on experience across all our services for children, young people, and families.
Students work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insight into safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency working. Students have the opportunity to build relationships with children, young people, and families, contribute to care planning, and develop the skills needed for frontline social work.
Supporting Our Echo Programme
Through the fees we receive for hosting student social worker placements, we fund our echo programme, including our annual residential weekend – ringfencing 100% of this income to improving the experiences and engagement of young people who currently and have previously lived with us.
When I first started at Inicio as a student social worker, I was motivated by my passion to support others and make a positive impact on other people’s lives, as a student I wanted to learn and gain knowledge and having my placement at Inicio provided this opportunity for me. I was amazed to see the growth of the young people and how they develop their independent skills and work hard to create a bright future. I decided to stay on as bank as it was an opportunity to continue my work with the young people as well as the team at acres lane. It also allowed me to continue contributing to the home whilst maintaining a flexible role.
My experience as a student social worker shaped my career as I was able to take my knowledge which I had learnt whilst on placement into my studies. I expanded my skills in listening, empathy and resilience and was able to work with and sit in meetings with other professionals which has provided me with the confidence to pursue a career in social work.
There were several memorable moments during my time as a student social worker, but one that stands out is the ECHO sessions with the young people, it was amazing to see everyone together, the team and the young people having fun and creating memories. They allowed me to create relationships, and allowed the young people get to know me better in a more relaxed environment.
Student Social Worker
Start Your Journey
Working in partnership with external practice educators, our placement supervisors provide regular supervision, structured feedback, and support in meeting Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) requirements. We work closely with universities to ensure placements meet academic standards and provide a rich learning environment. Placements are available across a range of services, including residential care, supported accommodation, and our families first model. We welcome students who are passionate about working within childrens services. If you’re a university or student social worker looking to arrange a placement, please get in touch using the Contact Us page. We’d love to support your journey into social work.
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