At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in reunification through assessments and intervention planning.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, dedicated to child welfare and family support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in statutory social work.
The predicted salary is between 40444 - 46579 £ per year.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a Social Worker to join their All About the Family Service, a specialist service focused on supporting children and young people where reunification with their family is being considered.
This is a specialist Social Work role within the Edge of Care service, with a strong focus on completing high-quality reunification assessments and preparing children and families for safe and sustainable reunification.
The Role
- Complete child-centred, evidence-informed reunification assessments using the NSPCC reunification guidance and framework.
- Work directly with children, young people, parents and carers to assess parenting capacity, family strengths, risks and the potential for sustainable change.
- Ensure the child's voice, wishes, feelings and lived experience remain central to assessment and planning.
- Support the delivery of the Parenting From a Distance programme, helping parents strengthen their parenting capacity and demonstrate meaningful change.
- Work closely with allocated Social Workers, Social Care colleagues and partner agencies to develop clear intervention and reunification plans.
- Prepare analytical, evidence-based reports that may be used within statutory decision-making and Family Court proceedings.
- Where required, attend Family Court and provide written and/or oral evidence relating to reunification assessments.
About You
- A recognised Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
- Statutory Social Work experience, including strong assessment skills.
- Knowledge of child protection, looked-after children and Child in Need practice.
- A good understanding of relevant children's legislation, statutory guidance and social work interventions.
- Experience of multidisciplinary working with children and families.
- Strong written, verbal, analytical and communication skills.
- A valid driving licence and access to a car for business use.
Working Arrangements
The role combines office, community and home-based working. The service operates on a rota between 8am and 8pm, so some evening and weekend working will be required. The successful candidate must also be able to travel within and outside the city when required. An Enhanced Children's Workforce DBS, including barred-list checking, is required.
Social Worker - All About the Family Service - Southend 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 Social Worker - All About the Family Service - Southend
✨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 Social Worker - All About the Family Service - Southend
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.
