At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower children and families through therapeutic social work.
- Company: Birmingham Children's Trust is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and free parking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work degree, ASYE completion, and registration with Social Work England.
- Other info: This is a hybrid role; applicants must be within commuting distance of Birmingham.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Senior Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid)
Interview Date: Arranged individually as required
Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for a role that truly makes a difference? We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Social Worker to join our Kinship Assessment Team at Birmingham Children’s Trust.
This is a chance to be part of a highly skilled, supportive, and welcoming team that plays a vital role in ensuring children can remain within their family network wherever possible. You’ll be working on meaningful, complex assessments that shape the future for children and their carers.
What You’ll Do
- Lead on kinship assessments for family members or friends as alternative placements for children who cannot remain with their parents.
- Complete fostering and special guardianship assessments through both private and public law proceedings.
- Prepare high-quality, analytical court reports within strict timescales – your expertise will be crucial in achieving stability and permanence for children.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fostering, Safeguarding, Children in Care, and legal teams.
This is a fast-paced, challenging role, but one that offers immense professional satisfaction and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
- Has experience in court work or strong safeguarding experience.
- Can produce detailed, evidence-based assessments and reports (some reports can be extensive, so attention to detail is key).
- Has excellent interpersonal skills and can work effectively with colleagues and external partners.
- Understands fostering legislation, regulations, and safeguarding procedures.
Please note: This role is not suitable for newly qualified Social Workers or ASYE candidates.
Why join us?
- Salary + Incentives: £1,000 incentive payment and up to £5,000 retention payment (subject to T&Cs).
- Generous annual leave: 30 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33 after 5 years and 35 after 10 years.
- Hybrid working: Flexible and mobile working policy with a mix of office and home-based work.
Additional benefits
- Free on-site parking
- Full reimbursement of your Social Work England registration fee
- Inclusive, supportive culture—we celebrate diversity and welcome individuality
- Part-time working patterns considered
Join us on our journey to become an outstanding fostering service. Your expertise can help us achieve that goal while making a real difference to children and families across Birmingham.
Want to know more?
If you\’re interested in this brilliant opportunity and would like to have an informal chat for more information, please reach out to:
- Lucy Kershaw – Lucy.Kershaw@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
- Natasha Al-Mossili – natasha.al-mossili@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
- Michael Criseno-Sally – michael.criseno-sally@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us shape brighter futures.
Help us to change children and young people’s lives!
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of over 10,000 children and young people in our city every day. Our mission is to support the most disadvantaged children and young people in Birmingham, ensuring they are safe, happy, and healthy.
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work – be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable children.
- Supportive Environment – enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued.
- Career Development – benefit from tailored development programs, supportive supervision, and a range of learning opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Generous Benefits – take advantage of our competitive reward package including generous leave allowance, Local Government pension scheme, and additional benefits.
Our Values
We approach our work with care and compassion, actively listening to the needs of the children and young people we serve. We involve them in the decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
We are committed to using our resources wisely, ensuring that every penny is spent where it counts the most. We foster collaboration among schools, health professionals, and the police, working together to create a supportive network for our young people.
We believe that when we work as one cohesive team, the children and young people of Birmingham are more likely to thrive. Our unified approach ensures that we provide the best possible support and opportunities for their growth and development.
Join us and together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Safeguarding
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for working with children and young people.
The level of check (Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List) is determined based on the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people.
We are committed to the fair treatment of all applicants, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence.
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Senior Social Worker employer: Birmingham Children's Trust
Contact Detail:
Birmingham Children's Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Birmingham Children's Trust's core therapeutic offers like DDP and Theraplay. Understanding these methods will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in their approach to social work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Birmingham Children's Trust on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific case studies or experiences where you've successfully supported children and families. Highlighting your practical experience will demonstrate your capability and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in social work, particularly those affecting children and families. Being knowledgeable about these issues will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your dedication to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in children's lives. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your compassion and empathy, especially in dealing with complex loss and trauma.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to work independently. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles.
Showcase Your Commitment: Express your dedication to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Discuss any previous work or volunteer experiences that reflect your commitment to this cause.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Children's Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Work
Make sure to express your genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate with the interviewers at Birmingham Children's Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Therapeutic Skills
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description, such as DDP and Theraplay. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these methods in your previous roles or how you would approach them in practice.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Since the role involves working with various agencies, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other professionals, such as health workers or educators. This will showcase your ability to build robust partnerships, which is crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills in challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex issues and be ready to articulate your thought process and outcomes.