Frequently Asked Questions

1. What must I complete to be included in the newly qualified Social Work regional recruitment process?

You must:

• Be eligible to apply to NISCC Part 1 within the timeline set out in the Personal Specification.
• Complete and submit application form before the closing date of the advert.
• Complete survey, from which you will select your preferred Trust, within the required timeframe – 48hrs (if not completed you will receive 1 email reminder). 
• Book an interview timeslot.
• Attend for interview.
• Identify preferences from list of vacancies and return this to Trust (if vacancies are available) or select an alternative option outlined in the process.
• Reply to RSSC / Healthdaq conditional offer email and complete Pre-employment checks.

2. Who should I list as my references?

2 references are required for Social Work roles. One should be from your University, and another can be from a previous social care employer, or form one of your placements.

3. What is the interview process?

The interview will consist of 3 questions asked by a 2 person panel of Senior Social Workers. The questions will be based on core values and behaviours expected of a Registered Social Worker.  We will have expected answers that you will be marked and ranked against. The purpose of the interview is for ranking only and there is no pass or fail.

4. Will this process be the same for students applying from outside NI?

Yes this process will be the same for anyone applying from outside Northern Ireland.

5. How will posts be allocated?

You will be ranked following an interview.

You will be emailed your chosen Trusts current vacancy list (if there are vacancies available).

You will be sent an information sheet providing a brief description of each field of practice.

You will identify 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd etc. preference from the vacancy list sent to you.

Ensure you check the hours, location and if post is perm or temp before identifying preferences. 

Please note, any preference identified could be allocated to you so complete your return carefully as there isn’t an opportunity to change preferences at a later stage.

You will have a limited timeframe in which to respond with preferences – you will be required to return your preferences via email to your chosen Trust within 48 hrs.

The Trust will allocate you a post based on your preferences and ranking following interviews if possible.

6. How likely is it that I will get allocated a post matching my preferences?

As you will be able to view the list of current vacancies you can choose your preferences from the list provided (if there are vacancies available).  Allocation to posts will depend on ranking, number of students with the same preference and vacancies.

Social Work Managers may not be aware of competition for vacancies and should not guarantee any students a post.

7. Can I wait for the area I want?

We cannot guarantee that a vacancy will become available in the area you want within the 6 month waiting list timeline.  We would encourage you to view your AYE year as an extension of your Social Work training and recommend that you remain open minded and flexible.

You will be completing an interview ahead of receiving a vacancy list of current posts (if vacancies are available). If you are not allocated a post or there are no vacancies available you can:

• Go onto a waiting list in your chosen Trust

OR

• Transfer to another Trust – please note you will only be eligible for vacancies remaining following allocations for all students who have chosen the Trust as first preference at the application stage.

As part of the NQSW recruitment process once you have made your decision this cannot be altered.  You have the opportunity once you have completed your AYE year to apply for band 6 posts via jobs.hscni.net, or if utilise your Trust Internal Transfer process (depending on criteria)

8. When will we get an offer?

All those allocated a post by their chosen Trust will receive a conditional offer from RSSC / Healthdaq via email following completion of interviews. 

Interviews will take place week commencing ... and emails will be sent the week commencing ...

Please check your emails for these offers as you are required to commence Pre-employment checks upon receipt.

For those not allocated a post you will be contacted by your chosen Trust who will either add your name to a current waiting list which will be held for 6 months, or you can request that your name is transferred to another Trust (only one transfer can be facilitated and you can only be added to one Trust waiting list).

9. When can I commence my registered social work post?

Once your Pre-employment checks are complete and satisfactory this includes confirmation you have completed your course and are eligible to apply for your Part 1 NISCC Registration.  Once you receive confirmation of your Part 1 NISCC registration you can then commence as a band 5.  Responding in a timely way to all requests for information and completing actions requested will assist us in the completion of pre-employment checks.