At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide urgent support and safeguarding for children and families outside standard hours.
- Company: Join a dedicated Emergency Duty Team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and the chance to impact lives.
- Other info: Work in a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment focused on high-quality safeguarding.
- Why this job: Be a hero in critical moments, helping vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Recognised social work qualification and experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are seeking a qualified children’s social worker to join an Emergency Duty Team, providing effective support and safeguarding responses to children, young people and families outside standard office hours.
This is a fast-paced role requiring sound professional judgement, resilience and the ability to make well-informed decisions in urgent and complex situations.
You will respond to referrals involving immediate concerns about children’s welfare, including safeguarding incidents, family breakdown, missing children, placement disruptions and requests for emergency accommodation or support.
You will assess risk, undertake appropriate investigations, develop safety plans and take proportionate action to protect children and promote their wellbeing.
Working closely with colleagues, carers, health professionals, police and other partner agencies, you will share information appropriately, coordinate urgent interventions and ensure that all decisions are clearly recorded.
You may be required to undertake emergency visits, contribute to strategy discussions, arrange suitable placements and provide clear handovers to daytime teams.
You must hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
Experience of working with children and families, safeguarding procedures, statutory assessments and child protection processes is essential.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and professional standards, together with the confidence to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills are required, as is the ability to engage sensitively with children, parents and professionals during difficult circumstances.
You will need to remain calm under pressure, demonstrate professional curiosity and maintain a child-centred approach at all times.
Flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays is essential, along with the ability to travel when required.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at critical moments in children’s lives while working as part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary service committed to high-quality safeguarding practice.
Children's DTM - EDT Team - Ealling in London 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 Children's DTM - EDT Team - Ealling in London
✨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 Children's DTM - EDT Team - Ealling in London
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.
