At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in delivering high-quality social work for children and families.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to child-centred and restorative practices.
- Benefits: Up to £42 per hour, accommodation allowance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a fantastic quality of life in beautiful Devon with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with at least 3 years' experience in Children's Services.
Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.
Are you an experienced and ambitious Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career? Devon County Council is seeking an Advanced Social Worker to join its Assessment & Intervention Team in North & Mid Devon, working within a restorative and child-centred environment where high-quality practice is valued and supported. This is an excellent opportunity to combine frontline social work with leadership responsibilities, supporting colleagues, championing best practice and making a real difference to children and families with complex needs.
About the Role
As an Advanced Social Worker, you will work closely with the Team Manager to provide professional leadership, guidance and support across the team. Alongside managing a smaller but more complex caseload, you will play a key role in developing practice standards and supporting the professional growth of colleagues. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing complex cases involving children and families with significant needs
- Undertaking in-depth assessments and intervention planning
- Providing mentoring, coaching and supervision support to colleagues
- Supporting students, newly qualified and less experienced Social Workers
- Promoting evidence-based practice and continuous learning
- Challenging and improving practice standards in a constructive and supportive way
- Working effectively within a multi-agency environment to achieve positive outcomes for children
About You
To be considered, applicants must have:
- Social Work England registration
- Right to Work in the UK
- A minimum of 3 years' post-qualifying experience within a statutory Children's Services setting
- Significant experience working with children and families with complex needs
- Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting professional development within teams
- Evidence of substantial post-qualifying training and development
- The ability to lead and influence high-quality social work practice
Working Arrangements
Office locations: Taw View, Barnstaple or Phoenix House, Tiverton
37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Office attendance required 5 days per week during duty week
Office attendance required as directed by the service during non-duty weeks
Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential
Pay & Benefits
Up to £42 per hour
£150 per week accommodation/commuter allowance available for candidates meeting eligibility criteria
Opportunity to join a highly regarded Children's Services team
Supportive management, professional development and reflective practice culture
Why Devon?
Devon offers an exceptional quality of life alongside rewarding career opportunities. From the stunning coastlines and landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor to excellent transport links, thriving communities and outstanding schools, this is a fantastic location in which to live and work. Join a service that places children and families at the centre of everything it does while supporting practitioners to develop and thrive professionally.
For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment.
Advanced Social Worker | Assessment | Devon employer: Caritas Recruitment
Caritas Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. Located in Southampton, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities. Our commitment to client-centred care ensures that our employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Social Worker | Assessment | Devon
✨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 Caritas Recruitment.
✨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 Caritas Recruitment!
✨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 Caritas Recruitment, 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 Caritas Recruitment 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 Advanced Social Worker | Assessment | Devon
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 Caritas Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Caritas Recruitment! 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 Caritas Recruitment
✨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.
