At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring their well-being and development.
- Company: Rotherham Council, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and strong management support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive change and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong communication skills, and a passion for social work.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 46142 £ per year.
Job location: Rotherham
Salary: £39,152 - £46,142 and Excellent Benefits (Pay award pending)
Come and join the team here in Rotherham! You will be joining a service which is supportive, friendly and inclusive, where we care about the children we work with. The role is based within a busy and supportive Children in Care service, located in central Rotherham at Riverside House.
The successful candidate will work within one of three teams with children and young people up to the age of 18, including separated migrant children. We have a clear focus on planning for children into their adult lives and supporting their families to be part of their network, whether that is supporting them at a distance or working towards a reunification plan if appropriate and safe.
We have strong and accessible leadership in place and a heartfelt pledge to provide a best practice centre of excellence. We are committed to cultivating a positive, practice‑led culture underpinned by plenty of support at all levels. We pride ourselves on our strong learning environment and use this positively to develop staff and improve practice.
Key benefits of working at Rotherham Council’s Children and Young People’s service are:
- You will be joining an authority Ofsted rate as Outstanding.
- Hybrid working arrangements to support employees; this consists of a mix of office-based activity and time spent home working.
- Strong management support and oversight with approachable and supportive senior managers.
- Regular reflective supervision.
- Excellent professional learning & development opportunities – guaranteed 15 days per year, underpinned by the Rotherham Family Approach which incorporates ‘Signs of Safety’, ‘Restorative Approaches’, and ‘Social Pedagogy’ as our methodological approach and framework.
- Bespoke Learning Academy to support practitioners.
- Excellent social work case management and reporting systems making your job easier.
- An accredited social work career pathway to Level 2, 3 and Advanced Practitioner positions and a proven record of ‘growing our own’ at all levels.
- A positive learning environment to enhance your social work career.
- Opportunity to talk to current staff via a virtual drop in to gain a greater insight into working at RMBC.
About you
- You will have experience of working directly with children, young people and their families (through previous/current employment and/or voluntary work).
- You will have some experience of working directly with children and young people ‘in need’ of support, protection and care (preferably through previous/current employment and/or social work placements).
- You will be able to organise your daily workload independently and prioritise competing demands with support.
- You will be able to show initiative and be able to respond independently to unexpected situations.
- You will be able to communicate clearly; verbally and in writing, acting professionally, respectfully and tactfully when dealing with areas of sensitivity and potential conflict or disagreement.
- You will be sufficiently confident to undertake home visits and attend meetings with families and other professionals.
- You will have some experience of undertaking Early Help Assessments / Statutory Social Work Single Assessments of needs and circumstances.
- You will have a good understanding of the experiences of looked after children.
- You will be capable of accurate reporting and have the confidence to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.
- You will have some understanding of how evidence is presented in court.
- You will be passionate about maximising a child’s life chances.
- You will care and want to make a positive difference for children, young people and their families.
Now is the time to come and work for Rotherham Council Children and Young People’s Service. Help us achieve our ambition to become outstanding – be part of our improvement journey and the transformational change that we are making. We are committed to making sure that every child makes the best start in life and we are striving to become a child‑centred borough. Rotherham is a great place to live and work.
Children's Social Worker - Children in Care in Rotherham employer: Children's Social Work Matters
Rotherham Council's Children and Young People’s Service is an outstanding employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from guaranteed training days, hybrid working arrangements, and a commitment to work/life balance. Join a passionate team that prioritises the well-being of children and families while offering clear pathways for career advancement in a vibrant community.
Contact Details:
Children's Social Work Matters Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker - Children in Care in Rotherham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Rotherham Council’s Children and Young People’s Service. Understanding their values and current projects will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to social work, especially those focusing on working with children and families. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. Whether it’s through direct work with children or supporting families, let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Worker - Children in Care in Rotherham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and young people. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant stories!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, ensure your written application reflects that. Use professional language but keep it friendly – we love a personal touch that shows your passion for making a difference.
Highlight Your Initiative:We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet! Share examples of when you’ve taken initiative in past roles or situations, especially those involving children and families. It’ll help us see your proactive side.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Work Matters
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker, especially in relation to children in care. Familiarise yourself with relevant frameworks like 'Signs of Safety' and 'Restorative Approaches' so you can discuss how they apply to your practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives, especially for those in need of support and protection.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough decisions or manage conflicts, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities available. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.
