At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for families needing support from Children's Social Care.
- Company: Join Bath & North East Somerset Council and make a real difference in your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for growth and recognition of good practice.
- Why this job: Help improve lives while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly, patient approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
The Children’s Social Care Triage Team is looking to recruit a Referral and Information Assistant on a full-time basis. The team is the first point of contact for requests for service received by Children’s Social Care and plays a vital role in ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time. Working within a busy and supportive environment, the team works closely with colleagues, partner agencies and members of the public to assess requests and signpost to appropriate services where required.
This is a permanent, full-time position working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The post holder will make an initial judgement about the appropriateness and urgency of requests for service received by Children’s Social Care and signpost to other services as appropriate.
In this role you will process confidential and sensitive information in line with corporate and national guidelines, while maintaining a professional and informed approach when dealing with customers and clients. You will be expected to work effectively under pressure, make decisions confidently and seek advice where appropriate. Flexibility is essential to meet the requirements of a busy team and changing service demands.
We offer a comprehensive induction, regular supervision with your line manager, extensive training opportunities through the council’s training package, and career development opportunities through quarterly PDCs, including apprenticeships, qualifications, shadowing and coaching opportunities. Good practice is recognised and celebrated through a quarterly newsletter.
We are seeking applicants with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills who have a friendly, patient and confident approach when dealing with colleagues, professionals and members of the public, including those who may be distressed or anxious. Previous knowledge or experience within safeguarding would be beneficial.
You will be able to demonstrate excellent IT skills and the ability to quickly learn new software and systems. You will have strong organisational skills, be able to work effectively under pressure and understand the importance of handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately. In addition to these competencies, you will be flexible in your approach, professional in your manner and committed to providing a high-quality service.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Ellis Woodley, Team Manager, Ellis_Woodley@bathnes.gov.uk or call (01225) 395076.
Interview date: TBC
No Agencies Please.
Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.
Referral and Information Assistant in Keynsham employer: Bath and North East Somerset Council
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us at the Keynsham Recycling Hub, where you can make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying a great work/life balance.
Contact Details:
Bath and North East Somerset Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referral and Information Assistant in Keynsham
✨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 Bath and North East Somerset 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 Bath and North East Somerset Council!
✨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 Bath and North East Somerset Council, 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 Bath and North East Somerset Council 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 Referral and Information Assistant in Keynsham
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 Bath and North East Somerset Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bath and North East Somerset 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 Bath and North East Somerset 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.
