At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and vulnerable children, ensuring quality care and collaboration.
- Company: Join a welcoming team dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative atmosphere with strong peer support and open communication.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 38828 - 40555 £ per year.
As a Social Worker, you are an experienced practitioner who is talented, passionate and reliable. Current registration with Social Work England is essential as well as experience of working within the legal frameworks that support our work.
You will have a sound knowledge of relevant child care legislation, good report writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work to court and fostering panel timescales. A strong communicator who values collaboration and works effectively with colleagues, carers and partner agencies, you are confident in undertaking assessments, presenting information clearly and making balanced, child-focused recommendations with experience in completing Form F, Special Guardianship and Connected Person assessments.
Main duties of the job
- To supervise and support foster carers, liaising with Social Workers, senior practitioners and Family Workers to enable them to support foster carers and young people appropriately.
- To support the recruitment and assessment process of foster carers to enable more of our vulnerable children to be placed in local placements, near to their family and friends.
- To work with the child's Social Worker to achieve permanence for the child, whether this be through long term fostering or special guardianship.
This role will enable you to continually develop your skills and knowledge, as well as contribute to the ongoing improvement of the services and support we deliver.
About us
The Family Placement Team is a small, welcoming and highly supportive team where strong working relationships are key. We recognise that our work can be complex, so we prioritise peer support, open communication and shared problem-solving.
We work closely with Children's Social Workers and other professionals to ensure that vulnerable children receive the best possible care and support. Our team is responsible for assessing prospective foster carers, special guardians, connected persons and private foster carers, as well as contributing to foster carer recruitment and delivering training to support carers in their role.
You will be part of a team that values quality practice and takes pride in ensuring children are placed locally with suitable carers whenever possible. With supportive managers, knowledgeable colleagues and dedicated administrative support, you will have the time and space to focus on meaningful work and build strong relationships with those you support.
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of this part time, maternity cover role.
Person Specification
- Degree in Social Work or equivalent.
- Social Work England registration.
- Specialist relevant experience or training.
- Relevant qualifications or training in therapeutic models.
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£38,828 to £40,555 a year.
Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career development, the Finance Officer role in the Migration Team allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and continuous learning, all within the vibrant community of Bracknell.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Bracknell Forest Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Bracknell Forest Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Bracknell Forest Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Bracknell Forest Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Bracknell Forest Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w) at Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Bracknell Forest Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w) role.