At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and special guardians, planning events and training for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a supportive and inclusive environment focused on children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in children's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience with foster care and knowledge of childcare legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Family Placement Team is a small but very supportive team. The work we do can be challenging and we understand the importance of peer support and advice. We work closely together and alongside the children's social workers to ensure that we are providing the best support to our vulnerable children. As part of an Outstanding-rated Children's Social Care service, the team is committed to reflective practice, effective planning, strong partnership working and ensuring children's voices shape decisions.
Responsibilities
- To support special guardians and foster carers for children and young people, planning support groups, events and training sessions.
- To undertake family finding for our young people and ensuring that they are with families that can meet their needs into adulthood.
- To provide support to social workers in the work that they are doing with the special guardians and foster carers.
Qualifications
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Family Worker to join our Family Placement Team. As a Family Worker, you will have experience and knowledge of foster carers and the needs of children who are looked after. You will have knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, together with good writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work to timescales. You will be able to work well with professionals and have the drive to provide a quality service for children, young people and their families.
Working Conditions
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office 3 days per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years' continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Company Values
At Bracknell Forest Council we define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Recruitment Policy
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know. Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Family Worker - Family Placement Team in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, we empower our Family Workers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Our inclusive environment fosters continuous learning and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and equipped to excel in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Worker - Family Placement Team in Bracknell
✨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 Bracknell Forest 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 Bracknell Forest 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 Bracknell Forest 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 Bracknell Forest 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 Family Worker - Family Placement Team in Bracknell
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 Bracknell Forest Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bracknell Forest 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 Bracknell Forest 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.
