At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and safeguard children, develop support plans, and coordinate with partner agencies.
- Company: Local Authority committed to lasting change for families in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Salary up to £49,282, 30 days leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with potential for career progression in a growing team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Social work degree with experience in Children's Social Work and knowledge of fostering legislation.
A Local Authority is looking for a Senior Practitioner for their Support and Safeguarding service in the Oxfordshire area. This is a permanent and full-time position that is hybrid working.
You must have a Diploma/Degree in Social Work and have the right to work in the UK (no VISA sponsorship available).
About the team
This team is committed to delivering lasting change for the children, young people and families of Oxfordshire. This organisation is rated 'Good' by OFSTED.
About the job
- Assess the needs and risks of children and families.
- Safeguard children and promote their welfare.
- Work with parents to address issues such as mental health, substance misuse, and domestic abuse.
- Develop and review child protection and support plans.
- Coordinate support with partner agencies and professionals.
- Manage risk and support families to make positive changes.
- Maintain accurate records and reports.
About you
The successful candidate will have a social work degree with post qualification experience in Children's Social Work whilst having an up-to-date understanding of relevant fostering legislation. This is a growing team with long-term potential to progress into a senior position and beyond when opportunities arise.
What's on offer?
- A salary up to £49,282 dependent on experience.
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Relocation package.
- Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,000.
- Flexible working.
- Local Authority Pension scheme.
- Excellent Training & development opportunities.
Child Protection Social Worker & Senior Practitioner employer: Charles Hunter Associates
As a Local Authority in Oxfordshire, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Our team is rated 'Good' by OFSTED, reflecting our commitment to professional development, with ample training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and work-life balance. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about child protection and social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Social Worker & Senior Practitioner
✨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 Charles Hunter Associates.
✨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 Charles Hunter Associates!
✨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 Charles Hunter Associates, 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 Charles Hunter Associates 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 Child Protection Social Worker & Senior Practitioner
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 Charles Hunter Associates:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Charles Hunter Associates! 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 Charles Hunter Associates
✨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.
