At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families facing challenges, delivering compassionate and strengths-based assistance.
- Company: Children First, Scotland's national children's charity dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to influence positive change in communities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team committed to empowering children and families in need.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in Social Work, Teaching, Childcare, or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 35778 - 35778 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity to join the Children First team in Midlothian. Every child deserves to be safe, loved and well with their family. At Children First, we stand alongside children, young people and families to help them build on their strengths, overcome challenges and create lasting change. We believe children should be heard, their rights respected and their voices at the centre of every decision that affects them.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Midlothian team, supporting children, young people and families experiencing a range of challenges, including parental substance use, poverty, poor mental health and trauma. The service also provides support to kinship carers and the children in their care, as well as Armed Forces families. Working alongside families in their homes, schools and communities, you will be part of a skilled and caring team that delivers both whole family and individual support. Our practice is grounded in relational, systemic, strengths-based and restorative approaches. We recognise that families are experts in their own lives and work alongside them to identify what is working well, build resilience and create positive futures for children.
Alongside one-to-one and family support, we help families develop meaningful connections through peer support groups and links to their local communities, strengthening the relationships and networks that help children thrive.
About you
- Shares our commitment to putting children first and upholding children's rights.
- Understands the importance of listening to children and ensuring their voices influence the support they receive.
- Has experience of working with children, young people and families, including involvement in child protection processes.
- Values restorative, relationship-based and strengths-focused ways of working.
- Can work alongside families with compassion, curiosity and respect.
- Brings an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of families across our communities.
You will hold a professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as Social Work, Teaching, Childcare, Social Care, Counselling, or another related field at SCQF Level 9 or above. We welcome applications from people with broad experience across family support, as well as those with specialist knowledge in particular areas of practice.
Why Children First?
Children First is Scotland's national children's charity. We are ambitious for every child in Scotland to grow up safe, loved and well with their family. We provide emotional, practical and financial support to children and families and campaign tirelessly to protect and uphold the rights of every child. We are determined that the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) becomes a reality in children's everyday lives. We want children to be listened to, respected and meaningfully involved in decisions that affect them. If you believe in the power of relationships, the strengths within families, and children's right to be heard, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Values: Living our values, you will help create a workplace where our people can thrive, ensuring we deliver the best possible support to children and families. With love, we put children first. With purpose, we transform lives together. With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland's children.
Project Worker (Midlothian) - 483908 in Dalkeith employer: Children First
As a Community and Events Fundraiser with Children First, you'll join a Fair Work accredited workplace in Edinburgh that prioritises values of love, purpose, and strength. Enjoy generous benefits including 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive wellbeing support, all while making a meaningful impact in the community by empowering supporters and driving fundraising initiatives to protect Scotland's children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Worker (Midlothian) - 483908 in Dalkeith
✨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 Children First.
✨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 Children First!
✨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 Children First, 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 Children First 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 Project Worker (Midlothian) - 483908 in Dalkeith
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 Children First:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Children First! 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 Children First
✨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.
