At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Connected People Team, supporting staff and ensuring positive practice.
- Company: Cheshire West and Chester Council, dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and free parking.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in trauma-informed practice required.
The predicted salary is between 47400 - 55000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Fostering Service to lead and manage the Connected People Team, supervising and supporting the staff team, which includes the Connected People Fostering Team and the Special Guardianship Support Team. You will have the opportunity to assure positive practice and development and to be innovative and creative in working alongside other professionals within the wider service.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and self-motivated Manager who has the qualifications, experience and skills needed for this role. The Connected People Team undertakes robust, analytical assessments which focus on the trauma children have experienced and how the kinship carer can provide the most appropriate care. We offer a high level of support to the children, young people, Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians we work with, as well as quality supervision, training and support groups for carers.
As a Team Manager, you will safeguard and promote the welfare of Cheshire West and Chester's children by delivering a high-quality service, keeping children's wellbeing and safety at the heart of your approach. You will have extensive knowledge of legislation underpinning delivery of social care including Fostering regulations and standards plus Special Guardianship legislation.
The post requires a Social Work qualification, extensive knowledge of trauma informed practice, of legislation underpinning delivery of social care, and substantial post qualifying experience in a statutory setting.
The post holder will:
- require registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
- be able to work across the Cheshire West and Chester Borough and beyond.
- must demonstrate experience and a good understanding of working directly with children and families including working with Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.
Our Children’s Social Care workforce is passionate and committed to improving outcomes for children in our Authority by providing a consistent, high-quality service to children and families, together with the support from a stable leadership and management team. We are committed to a culture of shared learning and development in which everyone has a part to play to ensure that our services to children and families focuses on positive outcomes.
Cheshire West and Chester will be committed to supporting your development. Staff report opportunities to progress into more senior positions in the organisation and develop their skills through moving around different service areas. Social Workers receive regular and reflective supervision, and they are supported to learn and develop their skills through a comprehensive learning and development programme.
As a local authority, we have developed an inspirational social work offer to support and develop our valued workforce, including:
- High quality progression and developmental opportunities
- Work-life balance, flexible and remote working arrangements available, including up to date IT equipment, and a smart mobile phone for all employees
- Competitive working rewards
- High quality supervision
- Strong reflective practice framework
- Free parking at all our office locations
We have a strong political and senior leadership team with a wealth of experience and knowledge about children’s outcomes across the borough of Cheshire West and Chester. Children’s Social Care and the wider partnership use this understanding well to target areas for continued improvement.
Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment.
Connected People in Ellesmere Port employer: Cheshire West & Chester
Cheshire West and Chester Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on work-life balance, the council empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. Employees benefit from high-quality supervision, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture that values teamwork and shared learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connected People in Ellesmere Port
✨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 Cheshire West & Chester.
✨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 Cheshire West & Chester!
✨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 Cheshire West & Chester, 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 Cheshire West & Chester 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 Connected People in Ellesmere Port
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 Cheshire West & Chester:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cheshire West & Chester! 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 Cheshire West & Chester
✨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.
