At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Children's Social Care by processing referrals and ensuring timely support for families.
- Company: Join a collaborative team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a supportive team environment and varied daily tasks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping children and families access vital services.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location
Guildhall 2, Kingston upon Thames, KT1
We're looking for a SPA Support Assistant to join our Single Point of Access (SPA) team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in supporting Children's Social Care by ensuring referrals are processed accurately, efficiently and securely, helping children and families access the support they need as quickly as possible.
The Single Point of Access (SPA) is the gateway into Children's Services, working closely with our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and partner agencies including Police, Health, Mental Health, Probation and Adult Services to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
About you
Working alongside Social Workers, Contact Information Officers and Team Leaders, you'll be responsible for processing and recording a high volume of referrals and contacts each day.
You'll ensure information is accurately entered onto our case management systems, maintain high standards of data quality and direct referrals to the appropriate teams.
With approximately 1,500–2,500 contacts received each month, you'll play an important role in helping the service respond efficiently to children, families and professionals.
You'll also have opportunities to support service improvements, contribute to digital initiatives and explore new technologies that enhance the way the team works.
What we're looking for
- Experience in an administration or data processing role.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when handling sensitive information.
- Strong organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace applications.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach to work.
Experience within Children's Services, Social Care, Local Government, Health, Safeguarding or a referral-based environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
By joining our SPA team, you'll become part of a supportive and collaborative service where your work genuinely matters.
Every referral you process helps ensure children and families receive timely support, making a real difference to their lives.
If you're looking for a rewarding administrative role where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.
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Children Services Support Assistant employer: Achieving For Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new supported accommodation service in Maidenhead. With a strong commitment to providing high-quality support for vulnerable young people, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and personal growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and being part of a dedicated team focused on positive outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Services Support Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Achieving For Children, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Children Services Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Achieving For Children. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Achieving For Children. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Achieving For Children.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Children Services Support Assistant role at Achieving For Children, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Achieving For Children that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
