Twelve students have now taken their place on the first social work degree course in Jersey and 17 new social workers have so far been recruited following a major employment campaign by the Government.
On Monday, the first cohort of 12 students joined University College Jersey to begin their BA (Hons) in Social Work. They will finish off their induction week by touring the town library, this Friday, to view the social work book collection that is available to support their studies. In order to develop and enhance the practice of social workers on island, this collection will also be made available to practising social workers as part of their ongoing Continuing Professional Development.
The Government of Jersey has recruited 17 new social workers as part of the Let’s Be Honest campaign to build a highly skilled workforce of social workers. Some of the new recruits have now taken up their roles at Children, Young People, Education and Skills.
The decision to establish this social work degree course in Jersey and recruit more social workers was made following the recommendations of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry two years ago.
The new social work degree course is being delivered in partnership with the University of Sussex.
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, welcomed the 12 new social work students.
"This is a significant step for the social work profession in Jersey," she said. "We are delighted to see that the course is full and would like to thank everyone involved at Highlands and University College Jersey for their excellent work in responding to a skills shortage of social workers.
"The students are highly motivated and committed to helping the island to grow its own social workers. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of skills and knowledge, many having worked in a care setting prior to commencing their studies. I wish all of the students and all involved in this very exciting studying opportunity the very best of luck."
The full-time degree course lasts for three years and will cover a range of
academic and practice-based learning.
In addition to the degree programme, students will take an Institute of Law Certificate in Jersey Social Work Law in their first year to ensure that they have the required legal knowledge to work in the island.
Anyone interested in applying for entry in 2020 is encouraged to attend the next Highlands College Social Work Open Evening on Thursday 14 November 2019 from 5.30pm to 7pm. This informal event will cover entry requirements, selection process, how to be successful at interview as well as give people the chance to talk to social workers and experts by experience. To book your place, please email fiona.murphy@highlands.ac.uk
gov.je