At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through fostering and adoption services, ensuring positive outcomes.
- Company: Renfrewshire Council, dedicated to high-quality Children's Services.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent position with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join an innovative team focused on driving forward new ideas in children's services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent, with relevant experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Renfrewshire Council is committed to providing the highest quality Children's Services. An exciting new opportunity has arisen within the Fostering and Adoption Service for two Social Workers. We are a forward thinking, innovative service dedicated to ensuring the needs of children are at the centre of all we do.
We aim to provide high-quality Adoption assessments, well planned children's transitions to prospective adopters, and responsive post adoption support as well as stable foster placements both short term and permanent to ensure positive outcomes for Renfrewshire's children.
You will join our established fostering & adoption team and be responsible for:
- PAR-S assessments
- Adoption enquiries
- Preparation groups
- Providing post adoption support (in both group and individual family settings)
- Form F assessments
- Foster carer preparation groups
- Active training role
- Contributing to support children's care plans
In addition, you will support other social workers in the wider service to secure children's fostering & adoption plans. You will be part of driving forward innovative ideas in developing post fostering & adoption support services and delivering these to ensure that foster and adoptive parents are supported and can assist their children to meet their full potential.
As part of our ongoing service development, you will also have a role in supporting birth family members affected by fostering and adoption.
It is essential you have a BA (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent; relevant experience working with children and families preferably within the statutory sector; experience of individual and family casework and Child Protection work. Knowledge of child development and issues affecting looked after children, and an understanding of child protection is essential. Experience of delivering group work would also be beneficial.
You must also be registered with the SSSC, have effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and effective time management skills. You should also possess effective IT skills and have a responsible approach to sensitive information. You should have the ability to prioritise your own workload, maintain accurate case records, work in partnership with other agencies and demonstrate delivery of services through case work and crisis intervention. Ability to work evenings and some weekends is required.
Post qualifying certificate in Child Care and Protection or Securing Children's Futures is desirable. A full current driving licence is also desirable. If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post.
Social Worker (Full Time)(Permanent)(2x post) in Paisley employer: Children's Hospice South West
Children's Hospice South West is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children with life-limiting conditions. Located in Barnstaple, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, offering generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday and enhanced sick pay, alongside ample training opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
Children's Hospice South West Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Full Time)(Permanent)(2x post) in Paisley
✨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's Hospice South West.
✨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's Hospice South West!
✨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's Hospice South West, 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's Hospice South West 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 (Full Time)(Permanent)(2x post) in Paisley
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's Hospice South West:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Children's Hospice South West! 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's Hospice South West
✨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.
