‘Getting that job’: An Incremental Approach
to social work, employability in action
Vision - To provide students with a high quality learning experience to acquire the
knowledge, skills and values to obtain gainful employment in the social work profession.
Year Three
Julie Connolly, Ulster University
Denise MacDermott, Ulster University
Susannah McCall, Ulster University
Professor Mary McColgan, Ulster University
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Community fundraising projects –
The Pantry Project Food Bank
‘Getting that job’ employability event
Undergraduate Awards
Year Two
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Award winning placement employers
Peer facilitation and review – support for students by students
Introducing the Edge Award
Year One
• Active practice seminars
• Social work roles and community responses
• Student profiling
“I feel prepared for my forthcoming interviews. I am upbeat about
the employment opportunities available to me.”
Student Quotes on Employability:
“The employability event was structured and focussed on
maximising opportunities to gain post-qualifying roles in social
work.”
“Participating in community fund raising projects on campus,
introduced me to volunteering, this has bolstered my CV and
enhanced my skills base.”
“I was a finalist in the Undergraduate Awards 2014. I attended the
Undergraduate Awards Global Summit in Dublin. This was one of
the most inspiring and enlightening experiences of my life.”
World Social Work Day Fieldtrip 2014 - Second year social work students with Dr Rory Truell
(International Federation of Social Workers, Secretary- General). Dr Truell is an Ulster Alumni.
“Getting that Job” – offered invaluable support in preparing me for a
competitive labour market”
Winner of the Staff Nominated Award - Dr Stephen Farry, Mustaphah Benhassine (Barnardos) and
Lynda Bryans
Shortlisted and winning social work partners:
2009 Self-nomination - Short Term placement category Winner:
Bryson Charitable Group
2010
Self-Nominations (Public Sector) Highly Commended:
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Self-nomination - Short Term placement category Winner:
Partnership Care West
2011
Self-Nominations (Public Sector) Winner:
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Self-nomination - Short Term placement category Winner:
Partnership Care West
Unistats - 75% of students
in employment 6 months
after graduation
2012:
Employer Self Nominations (short term): BRYSON CARE WEST presented by Anna Lo, MLA.
Denise MacDermott received the award.
Self-Nominations (Over 50 Employees) Winner:
Southern Youth and Family Services
Self-Nominations (Public Sector) Winner:
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Self-nomination - Short Term placement category Winner:
Bryson Care West, Highly Commended: Dunlea Centre, Highly Commended: Extern
2013: Self-Nominations (Public Sector) Highly Commended:
WH&SCT - Spruce House
2014
Self-Nominations (Public Sector) Winner: Bryson Care West, Highly Commended:
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
Placement Employer of the Year as nominated by a staff member at Ulster Winner:
Barnardos, Strabane Family Centre
Northern Health
and Social Care Trust
Western Health
and Social Care Trust