At a Glance
- Tasks: Support management of SPA by screening referrals and providing consultations.
- Company: Achieving for Children, a supportive and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive employee support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and active registration with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The Single Point of Access (SPA) Social Worker will be responsible for supporting management of SPA in screening and gathering further information on all referrals that come into the SPA as needed. This will include having a good telephone manner when speaking with parents and professionals, and strong communication skills when offering face-to-face consultations. The post holder will be expected to consider the information gathered, analyse that data, and make recommendations about referrals with final authorisation from the SPA Management.
In addition, the post holder will be required to respond to safeguarding calls and telephone consultations to identify risk at the initial stages and provide advice accordingly, and to respond to information requests from external professionals in line with the Data Protection Act.
About you
- Educated to a degree level with a relevant professional qualification in social work (CSS/CQSW or DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW).
- Active Social Work England registration and proven evidence of continuing professional development.
- Proven experience in preparing and maintaining case records and other case work information.
- Knowledge of statutory legislation (for example Children's Act) and national policy drivers that will affect children's services and your role.
- Confident and competent with relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks and of an appropriate range of professional interventions.
- Experience of working in multi-agency and multi-professional partnerships focused on delivering co-ordinated services that deliver good outcomes for children.
About our benefits
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month.
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work-life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Important Information
- Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month.
- Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements.
- Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams.
- Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Social Worker - Single Point Access employer: ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration and community impact, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about SEND reform. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working in a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a culture of innovation and partnership, ensuring that your contributions directly influence positive change in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Single Point Access
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Single Point Access
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACHIEVING FOR CHILDREN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
