Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers
Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers

Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers

Chatham Full-Time 40000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people transitioning from care to independence and manage their caseloads.
  • Company: Join Medway Council's dedicated team focused on empowering care leavers.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, market premia, retention payment, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your social work skills.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child protection and looked after children.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and reflective supervision in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.

Job Description

Medway CouncilSocial Worker – 16+ Care LeaversSalary: Up to £41,956 + £5,000 market premia + £2,000 annual retention payment after 1 year’s serviceClosing Date: 10th OctoberMedway Council is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our 16+ Care Leavers team. This case-holding role involves working with young people aged 16–18 as they transition from care to independence, managing caseloads, care proceedings, and ensuring pathways are followed before handing over to a Personal Advisor.The ideal candidate will have statutory social work experience in children’s services, demonstrable experience with looked after children, child protection, permanence planning, and court work. You should be committed to relationship- and strengths-based practice, championing young people’s voices, and achieving positive outcomes.Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage caseloads of children in care with reflective supervision
  • Conduct assessments, develop SMART care plans, and review progress
  • Prepare clear reports for reviews, legal planning meetings, and care proceedings
  • Use Signs of Safety in assessments and interventions
  • Undertake direct work with young people to understand their lived experiences
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to coordinate support services
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with GDPR and Medway Council systems
  • Commit to continuous professional development and reflective supervision

Person Specification:

  • Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
  • Completion of ASYE
  • Experience in child protection, looked after children, permanence planning, and court work
  • Strong relationship- and strengths-based practice skills
  • Competent in Microsoft Office and electronic children’s systems (e.g., MOSAIC)
  • Full UK driving licence and daily access to a car

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary plus market premia and retention payment
  • Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 office-based days per week
  • Professional development opportunities

Contact Phil at Ackerman Pierce on or

Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers employer: Ackerman Pierce

Medway Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a competitive salary package that includes market premia and retention payments, alongside a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and reflective supervision. With a focus on relationship- and strengths-based practice, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people transitioning from care to independence, all while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working arrangements in a vibrant community setting.
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Contact Detail:

Ackerman Pierce Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to social work. Think about your experiences with looked after children and how you’ve used relationship-based practice to achieve positive outcomes. We want you to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for supporting young people during your interviews. Share specific examples of how you've championed their voices and made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers

Statutory Social Work Experience
Experience with Looked After Children
Child Protection
Permanence Planning
Court Work
Relationship-Based Practice
Strengths-Based Practice
Assessment Skills
SMART Care Planning
Report Writing
Signs of Safety Framework
Collaboration Skills
Record Keeping
GDPR Compliance
Microsoft Office Competency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with looked after children and child protection. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, as this will help us understand your journey and how you can contribute to our team.

Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! We’re looking for someone who is genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of care leavers, so share your motivations and what drives you.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the Social Worker role, especially around managing caseloads and conducting assessments. Brush up on your knowledge of the Signs of Safety framework and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your previous work that highlight your experience with looked after children and child protection. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your impact.

✨Emphasise Relationship Building

Since this role is all about championing young people's voices, be prepared to talk about how you build relationships with young people and other stakeholders. Share stories that illustrate your strengths-based practice and how you’ve successfully collaborated with partners.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems in place for care leavers, or professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Social Worker - 16 Care Leavers
Ackerman Pierce

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