Looking for someone to finally explain what you should know about the ASYE?

Don’t worry, I have got you covered when it comes to the key aspects of ASYE you should know.

Let’s do this!

1. What is ASYE?

The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) is a programme designed for Newly Qualified Social Workers and led by the employer.

It lasts for 12 months where you will receive regular support and guidance on your caseload and personal development.

You will be assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) domains and the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for social workers in adults or children services.

2. What is the PCF?

Professional development is a key aspect of social work, and the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) provides a framework for social workers to review their capabilities throughout their career.

The capability statements laid out in the PCF enables social workers, supervisors and managers to identify existing skills and improve other areas of their knowledge in order to meet existing skills and expectations in their role.  

With an improved knowledge and skills, career progression may not be in the distant future.

3. How do you enrol on the ASYE?

After your Bachelors or Master’s degree in social work, you may be offered your first social work position in an organisation.

As part of your role, you may be presented with the opportunity to enrol on the ASYE programme.

4. Why should you enrol on the ASYE?

• The ASYE programme will offer you the opportunity to receive regular supervision, work on reduced caseload, develop your capabilities and confidence.
• It will help you work towards your professional goals. 
• It also provides you with the opportunity to consolidate your learning from your bachelors or master’s degree in social work.
• By the end of the programme, you will have an ASYE portfolio which can evidence your learning.

5. Is ASYE mandatory?

The ASYE is not mandatory however, most local authorities would require that you enrol on the programme once you are employed as a NQSW.

It helps to develop national uniformity in the knowledge and skills of a social worker.

The programme is also recognised by the Social Work Reform Board (SWRB) which is set up to improve social work training and practice by carrying out the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force.

6. What happens if you fail the ASYE?

During your ASYE, you will have ongoing supervision and review.

As a result, it is likely that any issues around your learning, development and capabilities will be discussed and resolved as soon as possible.

Failing that, some local authorities will offer you the opportunity to redo certain parts of your portfolio that do not meet standards set.

Sometimes, you will not be given another opportunity. At all times, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. If in doubt, consult with the learning and development team within your organisation.

7. What is NQSW?

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW), you would have completed your social work degree within the last 2 years and would have accepted your first social work role.

As with all social workers, a NQSW is responsible for their own professional development, however, they can enrol on courses or a programme to support their first year of work.

The programme a NQSW can enrol on within an organisation is called an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)

8. What is the KSS in social work?

Newly qualified social workers who work in adult or children services are required to know and incorporate the key skills as detailed in the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) in their practice by the end of their first year.

There is a separate KSS for social workers in adult services and children services.

The KSS is not mandatory, however; it is expected that all social workers are able to show knowledge of all aspects of the statement, as these apply to their day to day practice.

The KSS serves as a national guidance for assessment for a NQSW at the end of their first year in practice.

It helps supervisors, practice educator and managers build on requirements to design an induction, supervision and the continuing professional development of social workers.

9. ASYE social work jobs

There is a host of social work jobs available if you are a NQSW.

You will have the opportunity to join a particular ASYE cohort once you start your role.

Jobs for NQSW to enable them to enrol on the ASYE can be found at the following sites

• Reed Global
• https://www.reedglobal.com/
• Total Jobs
• https://www.totaljobs.com/browse-jobs
• Community Care
• https://www.communitycare.co.uk/
• Indeed Jobs
• https://www.indeed.co.uk/?from=gnav-jobsearch–jasx

Social Work Recruitment Agency

Although social work agencies are much keener on recruiting experienced social workers, they receive job openings for NQSW as well.

You can also register with social work recruitment agencies such as

• Reed Social Work Agency
• Caritas Social Work Recruitment
• Liquid Personnel
• Spencer Clarke Group
• Tipod Partners
• Eden Brown Synergy
• Tempest Recruitment Agency
• Sanctuary Personnel
• Social Care Recruitment Agency
• Charles Hunter Associates
• Ambition 24 Hours

Remember to read my article on How to Ace Your First Social Work Job Interview for insight into how to get noticed at a job interview.

Below is a Checklist for Preparing for a Social Work Job Interview

• Do your research on the organisation
• Understand the KSS and PCF
• Use your connections
• Reconstruct interview | anticipate questions and answers
• Practice a good answer to ‘tell me about yourself’ interview question
• Practice the STAR interview response method
• Create a good first impression
• Ability to communicate
• Be cautious of your energy levels
• Are you a fit for the company and culture?
• Reflect on your skills and experience
• Review the job description, your résumé/CV, and cover letter.
• Show a willingness to learn
• Show you genuinely want this job
• Decide on your future career path
• Ask brilliant questions.
• What not to bring to an interview
• What to bring to an interview

Read Next: 

HOW TO ACE YOUR FIRST SOCIAL WORK INTERVIEW

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CAREER PROGRESSION | SOCIAL WORK

THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO PROFESSIONALISM IN SOCIAL WORK

References

• Keen, S., Galphin, D., & Brown, K. (2016).Newly Qualified Newly Qualified Social Workers A Practice Guide to the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment – Post-Qualifying Social Work Practice (3rd ed.). London: SAGE.
• Turner, T. S. (2004). Behavioural Interviewing Guide: A Practical, Structured Approach for Conducting Effective Selection Interviews. Victoria: Trafford Publishing.

Online

British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Available at https://www.basw.co.uk/

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