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- Tasks: Support young people at risk of crime, providing tailored interventions and building strong relationships.
- Company: Achieving for Children is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on innovative community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a £3,000 market supplement!
- Why this job: Join an outstanding team making a real difference in young lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified social workers with experience in direct work with adolescents are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: We actively welcome applications from under-represented groups to enhance our diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44000 £ per year.
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Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us.
We’re celebrating an OUTSTANDING achievement across all areas in our latest Ofsted inspection () and now, we’re looking for social workers to help build on this success.
Ofsted praised our leadership, saying: “Leaders have created an environment where staff feel valued, respected, and supported.” If you’re looking for a workplace where you can thrive, grow, and truly make a difference, this is your opportunity!
Apply today and be part of our success!
We are offering a £3,000 annual market supplement for this role!
The Kingston and Richmond SHiFT Team aims to break the destructive cycle of children who are caught up in, or at greatest risk of, cycles of crime so that they make a positive contribution to our society and build better lives for themselves.
SHiFT works with children and young people who are, or are at risk of, repeatedly committing crimes. We do not define them by the criminal offences they have committed but treat each as an individual.
A SHiFT team is made up of 5 highly experienced SHiFT guides and one team coordinator supporting all aspects of SHiFT activities.
The team works tenaciously, collaboratively, and systemically with SHiFT participants and everyone in their world, identifying the right moment to intervene with tailored and flexible interactions that suit each person.One SHiFT Guide takes on a lead role within the team however a SHiFT team is not traditionally hierarchical; making decisions as a group, taking collective responsibility for SHiFT delivery, and sharing knowledge and experience to maximise good practice is important.
SHiFT is a new way of working which you will help shape and develop. We need your experience and input to ensure it develops the impact we believe it can. You will need to be flexible and collaborative; ready to share ideas and take risks to change the lives of SHiFT participants.
We are looking for experienced social workers from a wide range of backgrounds to support the development and delivery of SHiFT at this exciting time. This is an ideal role for practitioners who want to invest in meaningful, skilled and direct work with children who may present with some of the most challenging behaviours, which can create professional anxiety but requires a robust and relationship-based approach to break the cycles of crime and harm.
In Kingston and Richmond’s SHIFT Practice our Guides are all qualified social workers because this enables the Guide, who is developing the relationship with the participant and delivering the intensive intervention, to also carry out the statutory functions of assessment and planning within social care. We aim to break down barriers of hierarchy and previous experiences or perceptions of social care to create meaningful change with the children caught up in cycles of crime and harm and with their families.
Within the youth justice system in the UK children and young people from minority groups, particularly black males, are acutely overrepresented. Therefore, we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups to apply for SHiFT roles – bringing the experience, skills and knowledge needed to support children and young people to break the destructive cycles which lead to them committing crimes.
Operational area Kingston and Richmond Primary place of work Guildhall 2, Kingston upon Thames KT1 Appointment type Permanent Business area Early Help Full time/Part time Full-time Salary from £41,442 (SCP29) Salary to £44,331 (SCP32) Hours 36 Estimated Interview date/s TBC Closing Date 07/09/2025 Ref No 1978 Documents
Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us.
SHIFT Guide (social worker)
We’re celebrating an OUTSTANDING achievement across all areas in our latest Ofsted inspection () and now, we’re looking for social workers to help build on this success.
Ofsted praised our leadership, saying: “Leaders have created an environment where staff feel valued, respected, and supported.” If you’re looking for a workplace where you can thrive, grow, and truly make a difference, this is your opportunity!
Apply today and be part of our success!
We are offering a £3,000 annual market supplement for this role!
The Kingston and Richmond SHiFT Team aims to break the destructive cycle of children who are caught up in, or at greatest risk of, cycles of crime so that they make a positive contribution to our society and build better lives for themselves.
SHiFT works with children and young people who are, or are at risk of, repeatedly committing crimes. We do not define them by the criminal offences they have committed but treat each as an individual.
A SHiFT team is made up of 5 highly experienced SHiFT guides and one team coordinator supporting all aspects of SHiFT activities.
The team works tenaciously, collaboratively, and systemically with SHiFT participants and everyone in their world, identifying the right moment to intervene with tailored and flexible interactions that suit each person.One SHiFT Guide takes on a lead role within the team however a SHiFT team is not traditionally hierarchical; making decisions as a group, taking collective responsibility for SHiFT delivery, and sharing knowledge and experience to maximise good practice is important.
SHiFT is a new way of working which you will help shape and develop. We need your experience and input to ensure it develops the impact we believe it can. You will need to be flexible and collaborative; ready to share ideas and take risks to change the lives of SHiFT participants.
We are looking for experienced social workers from a wide range of backgrounds to support the development and delivery of SHiFT at this exciting time. This is an ideal role for practitioners who want to invest in meaningful, skilled and direct work with children who may present with some of the most challenging behaviours, which can create professional anxiety but requires a robust and relationship-based approach to break the cycles of crime and harm.
In Kingston and Richmond’s SHIFT Practice our Guides are all qualified social workers because this enables the Guide, who is developing the relationship with the participant and delivering the intensive intervention, to also carry out the statutory functions of assessment and planning within social care. We aim to break down barriers of hierarchy and previous experiences or perceptions of social care to create meaningful change with the children caught up in cycles of crime and harm and with their families.
Within the youth justice system in the UK children and young people from minority groups, particularly black males, are acutely overrepresented. Therefore, we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups to apply for SHiFT roles – bringing the experience, skills and knowledge needed to support children and young people to break the destructive cycles which lead to them committing crimes.
Operational area Kingston and Richmond Primary place of work Guildhall 2, Kingston upon Thames KT1 Appointment type Permanent Business area Early Help Full time/Part time Full-time Salary from £41,442 (SCP29) Salary to £44,331 (SCP32) Hours 36 Estimated Interview date/s TBC Closing Date 07/09/2025 Ref No 1978 Documents
About the role
At the heart of SHiFT’s approach will be the relationship the child or young person has with a SHiFT Guide. Participants will typically spend 18 months with their SHiFT Guide who will have the time, skills, experience and support to do whatever it takes to get alongside each child and young person – helping them to change their life so that, one day, they will no longer be needed.
Through the SHiFT journey, participants will develop strengthened foundations on which they can build a future that benefits both them and society, including improved literacy, numeracy and communications skills. These are the stable, strengthened foundations on which they can build a future that benefits both them and society.
For further information about this role, please contact Emma Crawford by email for an informal discussion.
About you
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children . For our social work offer . For our Recruitment Journey,
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month.Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams.Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC:Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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SHIFT Guide (social worker) employer: Achieving For Children
Contact Detail:
Achieving For Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SHIFT Guide (social worker)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SHiFT programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific challenges faced by children in cycles of crime will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Achieving for Children. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with young people. The role emphasises a relationship-based approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with challenging behaviours in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues within youth justice and social work. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute to the SHiFT team.
We think you need these skills to ace SHIFT Guide (social worker)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a SHiFT Guide. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the values of Achieving for Children to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in social work, particularly with adolescents and those at risk of criminal behaviour. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in building relationships and delivering direct interventions.
Showcase Your Values: Achieving for Children values collaboration and innovation. Make sure to express your commitment to these values in your application. Discuss how you can contribute to a supportive environment and work effectively within a team.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the SHiFT programme and its goals. Mention how your background aligns with their mission to break cycles of crime and harm, and why you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Understand the SHiFT Approach
Familiarise yourself with the SHiFT team's philosophy and methods. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to breaking the cycles of crime and harm, and how your experience aligns with their innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with challenging individuals and made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Collaboration
The SHiFT team values a non-hierarchical structure. Be ready to discuss how you work collaboratively in a team setting, share ideas, and take collective responsibility for outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about scenarios where you've had to intervene in crises or support vulnerable individuals, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
