At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for children's voices in child protection conferences and support their engagement.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a double award-winning council with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring process that values diversity and second chances.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Passion for child advocacy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26205 - 26525 £ per year.
Position reference: 50146561, 50146562
Working Arrangements: Agile, min 3 days in the office. This is a full-time role. We are committed to supporting work–life balance, and requests for flexible working, including job share, will be considered in line with the needs of the service. Given the requirement for continuity of support to service users, any flexible working arrangements would need to ensure consistency in case management.
Hours per week: 1x 37 and 1x 22.2
Contract type: Permanent
The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard. This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check. If you are currently living overseas or have lived overseas in the last five years please be aware, if you are the preferred candidate for the post, you will be required to apply for an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in. If you experience difficulty in obtaining an overseas criminal record check please email dbs@barnsley.gov.uk
Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances of those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
In Barnsley we believe in working collaboratively with our families. When you join us, you can come on this exciting journey with us and have access to a full suite of development and training opportunities. We are an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Children’s Services and a double award-winning, high-performing council with a growing economy, a thriving town centre and some truly impressive outcomes in our communities. We have been awarded Council of the Year for 2023 by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) and The Municipal Journal (MJ). Our excellent Children's Services has been a key part of our win; we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved not just for the council but for our partners and Barnsley.
We are currently looking to recruit one full-time and one part-time Child Protection Advocacy Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Services and have a key role in driving, planning and promoting positive outcomes for children subject to child protection plans. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed advocates who will drive forward the child’s voice in a conference setting.
You will be responsible for working directly with children to gain their voice, wishes and feelings, and sharing this during a child protection conference. All conferences are face to face in Barnsley as we recognise this is best practice and ensures a more effective meeting is conducted. You will be supporting children to attend their own conferences and offering creative ways to ensure a child is supported to attend.
You will meet with children of all ages to support their understanding of the conference process and help them to be engaged in their child protection plan and share their views of what will help them to feel safe.
You will join a friendly, supportive and committed team and play a full part in its operation and ongoing development. You will receive regular supervision, appraisal, training and development opportunities, all aimed at promoting positive outcomes for young people and supporting your career development.
We live and work by four important values: honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and taking pride in what we do. As part of our team, you can be assured we will support you in striving for excellence in your work. We prioritise learning and enabling you to achieve your potential. So we’ve created a development process that lets you grow in the way that suits you - whether that’s training to be a leader, or learning flexibly online.
We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. CVs are not accepted for this role.
At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Child Protection Advocacy Officer in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Community Reablement Support Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals while enjoying flexible working hours and a strong commitment to employee growth and training. Join us in Barnsley, where your contributions are valued, and you can truly help foster independence in our community.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Advocacy Officer in Barnsley
✨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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Advocacy Officer in Barnsley
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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council! 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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨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.
