At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, manage caseloads, and create lasting change.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, an award-winning local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Five years post-qualifying experience and court experience required.
- Other info: Join a team aiming for 'Outstanding' service ratings.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 35 Β£ per hour.
Central Bedfordshire Council is looking for social workers who are passionate about getting it right for children and their families the first time. We are recruiting social workers who have at least five years of post-qualifying experience and a good understanding of how to apply different social work theories and models, which support ideas and the delivery of imaginative ambitious interventions that improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families through child in need, child protection, and court work.
Central Bedfordshire is aspiring to progress from the current 'Good' Ofsted rating to be an 'Outstanding' Children's Service, ensuring that our children and young people have the best support and achieve their best outcomes. As part of our Families First journey, social workers in Family Help now support children from assessment onwards enabling them to build up meaningful relationships with families and create lasting change. We focus on ensuring children receive timely support and reduce the number of children we have coming into local authority care. Central Bedfordshire is a good and award-winning local authority.
About you
- Experience in managing a varied caseload of children, visiting families, and completing direct work with children to understand their views and lived experiences.
- Experience chairing multi-agency meetings and liaising with a range of other professionals to support our most vulnerable children.
- Proven experience having an impact on families in achieving positive outcomes for children.
- Excellent verbal communication skills to enable you to communicate effectively with children, parents and other agencies, and the written skills to present high-quality assessments and reports.
- A passion for delivery of high-quality services and interventions to vulnerable children.
- Court experience is essential.
Social Worker - Children & Families - DfE (Hybrid) in Shefford employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children & Families - DfE (Hybrid) in Shefford
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to child protection and family support. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your responses.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted families and children in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you wonβt find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children & Families - DfE (Hybrid) in Shefford
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share specific examples of your experiences that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Weβre looking for social workers with at least five years of experience, so highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what weβre after. This shows us youβve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your achievements and experiences, making it easier for us to see why youβd be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for at Central Bedfordshire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
β¨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the social work theories and models relevant to children and families. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in child protection and court work.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your verbal and written communication skills. Think of situations where you effectively communicated with children, parents, and other professionals, and be ready to share these stories.
β¨Demonstrate Your Impact
Be specific about how your interventions have led to positive outcomes for children and families. Use metrics or anecdotes to illustrate your success in managing caseloads and achieving results.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Goals
Research Central Bedfordshire Councilβs current initiatives and their aim to progress from 'Good' to 'Outstanding'. Show your enthusiasm for being part of this journey and how your experience aligns with their objectives.