At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, manage caseloads, and ensure child safety.
- Company: Join a dedicated Children and Families team in Southwark.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while developing your social work skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be the voice for children and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An opportunity is available for a qualified Children’s Social Worker to join a busy Children and Families team in Southwark.
This is a rewarding role for an experienced practitioner who is committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.
You will manage a varied caseload involving children in need, child protection, children looked after and care proceedings.
Your responsibilities will include undertaking high-quality assessments, identifying risks and strengths, developing and reviewing effective care plans, and ensuring that the child’s voice remains central to all decision-making.
Working in partnership with families, schools, health professionals, the police and other agencies, you will coordinate support and take appropriate action to safeguard children.
You will contribute to strategy discussions, child protection conferences, reviews and court proceedings, preparing clear reports and presenting professional recommendations when required.
The successful candidate will hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
You will have recent experience of working with children and families in a statutory setting, together with a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures, relevant legislation and the assessment framework.
You will be confident managing competing priorities, working to deadlines and making defensible decisions in complex circumstances.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to build effective relationships with children, parents, carers and partner professionals.
You should also be able to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive, multi-disciplinary team.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing your practice in a challenging and stimulating environment.
Candidates should demonstrate professional curiosity, resilience, sound judgement and a commitment to anti-discriminatory, strengths-based practice.
Enhanced pre-employment checks and satisfactory references will be required.
Children's SW - C & F Team - Southwark 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 SW - C & F Team - Southwark 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 SW - C & F Team - Southwark 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.
