At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families by assessing safety and wellbeing concerns.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on child welfare in Sand Martin House.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and supportive team structures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 3 years of experience and a UK driving licence.
- Other info: Work on a three-week duty rota, allowing for focused case management.
Location: Sand Martin House
Working Arrangements: Hybrid
Rate: £42ph
The Role:
Children’s social workers in the Assessment Team are responsible for responding to referrals where there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. This structure helps manage workload and allows social workers to focus on ongoing cases during off-duty weeks. Each team is supported by an Advice and Information Officer, Children’s Social Care Practitioner, and dedicated business support staff, which helps streamline administrative tasks and allows social workers to concentrate on direct work with families. The team operates on a three-week duty rota, meaning each team is only responsible for new referrals once every three weeks. When teams are on duty it is expected that Social Workers are in the office.
Key Responsibilities:
- Investigate these concerns, assess the risks and protective factors within the family, and determine the most appropriate course of action.
- Conduct home visits, engaging directly with children and families, and ensuring that the child’s voice is central to all assessments and decisions.
- The work involves a wide range of statutory duties.
- Carry out Section 17 Single Assessments and Section 47 Enquiries.
- Participate in Initial Child Protection Conferences and Child in Need meetings, and may be involved in private law proceedings by preparing Section 7 reports.
Skills:
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Committed to supporting children, young people and their families and has the resilience to go that extra mile to ensure they achieve their potential.
- UK driving license.
- 3 Years post qualifying experience.
If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience, then this is the role for you, and we would love to hear from you.
Social Worker employer: Opus People Solutions
Contact Detail:
Opus People Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and needs of children and families in your area. Understanding local issues can help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle these challenges during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current social workers or professionals in the field. They can provide insights into the role and the organisation, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've made a difference in children's lives. Having specific examples ready will showcase your experience and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in child welfare. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Social Worker, particularly in children's services. Emphasise your qualifications, including your registration with Social Work England and any specific training related to child protection.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and families. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your resilience and commitment, and explain why you are drawn to this role within the Assessment Team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills that align with the job description, such as conducting assessments, engaging with families, and participating in child protection meetings. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and frameworks relevant to children's social work, such as the Children Act and safeguarding policies. This knowledge will demonstrate your understanding of the legal context in which you will be working.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in assessing risks, conducting home visits, and engaging with families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Practice
Be ready to discuss how you ensure that the child's voice is central to your assessments and decisions. Share examples of how you've advocated for children and young people in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Commitment
Social work can be challenging, so it's important to convey your resilience and commitment to supporting families. Prepare to discuss how you handle stress and maintain your motivation in difficult situations.