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- Tasks: Support young people and families, assess needs, and create tailored support plans.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, dedicated to nurturing children and families in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment, professional growth opportunities, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while collaborating with a passionate multi-agency team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Other info: Open to newly qualified and experienced social workers; competitive salary based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 36101 - 48622 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£36,101 to £48,622 per annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 26th January 2025
Interview Date: 13th & 18th February 2025
This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and experienced Social Workers. The starting salary for a NQSW is £33,885 per annum and this will rise to £36,101 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme.
At the heart of our community, you’ll find Children and Families, a beacon of collaboration, integrity, and compassion. We are dedicated to nurturing the growth and wellbeing of children and young people, shielding them from neglect and abuse. Our mission is to work hand-in-hand with our partners to deliver a spectrum of early help, family support, and effective social work interventions. Our goal is to build resilience, dismantle barriers, and empower children and young people to envision a future filled with promise and potential.
Essex County Council is investing in and expanding its portfolio of internal children’s residential homes. These homes will serve as safe havens, offering stable, short-term, and supportive placements for young people aged 11-17 years, who, for the time being, are unable to live with their birth families. By joining us, you’ll be making a profound difference in their lives.
We are currently looking for a passionate and dedicated Social Worker to work across a number of group care and solo homes in the areas of Colchester and Basildon. This will be part of a multi-agency team, with a psychotherapist and teacher alongside an extensive residential staff team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with young people and families that are receiving a service, support young people to return home when safe to do so or transition on to longer term, stable placements.
- Complete assessments and reports where required to support young people’s care and move plans.
- Be a part of the management teams across multiple homes.
- Work in partnership with internal and external agencies.
- Support the children’s homes on call system.
- Assess complex social care needs and create tailored support plans for families.
- Ensure all actions comply with legal frameworks for statutory intervention.
- Work with various stakeholders and partners to provide comprehensive support to children and families.
- Develop strategies for early intervention, prevention, and fostering independence.
- Play a key role in inter-agency planning and decision-making, contributing to case discussions and interventions.
- Articulate assessments and professional judgments clearly, both orally and in written reports, including court statements.
What We Offer:
- A Supportive Environment: Work in a team that values collaboration and mutual support.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
- Impactful Work: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills and dedication to support children and families, we would love to hear from you! Apply now and be a part of our mission to build a brighter future for children and young people.
Requirements:
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Continued professional development in line with relevant competency frameworks.
- Experience in challenging social and family situations.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse groups.
- Building strong relationships with partners and the community to achieve shared goals.
- Understanding the balance between cost-effective interventions and meeting needs.
- Demonstrated ability in clear decision-making to manage potential risks associated with interventions.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Social Worker – Children’s Residential employer: Essex County Counci
Contact Detail:
Essex County Counci Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Children’s Residential
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and families in the Colchester area. Understanding local challenges and resources can help you demonstrate your commitment to the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current social workers or professionals in children's residential care. They can provide insights into the role and the organisation, which can be invaluable when discussing your motivations and fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-agency collaboration. Highlighting specific examples where you've successfully worked with various stakeholders will show your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in social work. Being knowledgeable about legal frameworks and recent developments will demonstrate your professionalism and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Children’s Residential
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as working with young people and families, completing assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your qualifications, any previous work with children and families, and your ability to handle challenging social situations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Address how your values align with those of Essex County Council and mention any relevant experiences that make you a suitable candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Clear communication is crucial in this role, so ensure your written materials reflect your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in a children's residential setting. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as working with young people and families, completing assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenging situations, demonstrating your ability to manage risks and support families effectively.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a multi-agency team. Discuss any previous experiences where you have worked alongside other professionals, such as teachers or therapists, to provide comprehensive support to children and families.
