At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and families, managing your own caseload with a focus on positive outcomes.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives and supporting communities.
- Benefits: Extensive training, paid membership renewal, flexible working, and strong administrative support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for part-time and flexible arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Relevant social work qualification and knowledge of children's services legislation.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Temporary Secondment Cover (provisional end date 31/03/2027). Leaders and managers are committed advocates for children and promote a culture of direct work and engagement with children and families. We offer our social workers a clear and exciting career pathway within our organisation; with workshops, training and ongoing support. Benefits include an extensive training programme, paid Social Work England membership renewal, access to Research in Practice and laptops to promote flexible working.
About the role: The Alternative Care Team supports foster carers, kinship carers, supported lodgings hosts and fostering families’ carers. You will be joining a dynamic team with an established track record of positive outcomes, where collaborative working with colleagues across the division and creative problem solving is a particular strength. The post holder will manage their own caseload and be able to evidence a strong ability to analyse information.
Applicants must be confident in writing professional assessments/reports as well as presenting their evidence verbally. Applicants need to have very strong organisational skills to manage and prioritise their work effectively and in a timely way.
You can expect: A comprehensive induction, a managed caseload, regular supervision, excellent administrative support and ongoing training.
About you: To apply you will have:
- A relevant social work qualification
- Knowledge of the legislative framework and legal proceedings that governs children's services
- Knowledge of theory and practice applicable to social work
- IT skills to enable operation of standard electronic systems
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Catriona Reeves, Deputy Team Manager Alternative Care Team by emailing catriona_reeves@bathnes.gov.uk.
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. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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 an Enhanced 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.
Social Worker - Alternative Care Team employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As part of our SEND service, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment at the Keynsham Civic Centre.
Contact Details:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Alternative Care Team
✨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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL, 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 Social Worker - Alternative Care Team
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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL. 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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL. 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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL.
✨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 Social Worker - Alternative Care Team role at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL, 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 BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
