At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through social work, promoting positive change in the community.
- Company: Wakefield Council, dedicated to child protection and staff development.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, hybrid working, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Strong focus on career progression and wellbeing in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in frontline practice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for Newly Qualified Social Workers across our child protection teams for Children’s Social Care within Wakefield Council. With visible and stable senior management and an ever‑increasing permanent workforce, social work in Wakefield continues to thrive. At Wakefield, we have adopted a restorative model in every aspect of our role to work collaboratively with practitioners and wider partners to promote positive change for the children in our district. We are dedicated to providing our workers with a positive working environment, where they feel safe and supported. We are committed to staff development and progression.
Why choose Wakefield?
- We have a strong and supportive team with effective leadership.
- You will have access to high quality and relevant training and development opportunities.
- We promote career progression to enable you to grow with us.
- We care about our workers and staff morale is good.
- Benefits include essential car user payments, a minimum of 28 days paid annual leave (rising according to your grade and length of service), plus 8 days paid bank holidays.
- Your office base is in a location that has good transport links and parking.
Qualifications
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification registered with Social Work England, or be currently working towards this qualification.
- Demonstrate experience in frontline social work practice.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- Have experience working collaboratively with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Proven experience of working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to assess complex social care needs and effectively plan, deliver, and review interventions.
- Sound knowledge of social work theory, relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and safeguarding practices.
- Strong partnership and collaboration skills to support effective multi‑agency working.
- Experience of using supervision to support critical reflection and continuous professional development.
What can I expect?
- A competitive salary.
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
- Hybrid working (subject to role suitability).
- Access to high‑quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax‑efficient way to increase our pension.
- Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise programme, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, and many more.
Contact
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact Bethany Kerry at bkerry@wakefield.gov.uk.
Safeguarding
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
Probation
In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6‑month Probationary Period.
Diversity
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
Disclosure and Barring Service
The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.
Other
Wakefield Council provides an Enhanced Disclosure Application Form as part of the application process.
Newly Qualified Social Worker in Wakefield employer: Children's Social Work Matters
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer for Newly Qualified Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With access to high-quality training, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to career progression, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The council's strong leadership and focus on restorative practices ensure that social workers feel valued and empowered in their important work.
Contact Detail:
Children's Social Work Matters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Social Worker in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wakefield Council and their child protection teams. Understand their restorative model and think about how your skills align with their values. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualified Social Worker in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see why you care about making a difference in children's lives and how your experiences have shaped that commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Wakefield Council. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our restorative model and collaborative approach. This shows us you understand what we’re all about!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Work Matters
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your social work theories, relevant legislation, and safeguarding practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your frontline social work practice where you've made a positive impact. Highlight your collaboration with statutory and voluntary agencies, as this is key in child protection roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to demonstrate how you can engage with children and young people from diverse backgrounds, so think of ways to articulate your approach clearly and empathetically.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Wakefield Council's restorative model and staff development opportunities. This shows your interest in their practices and your eagerness to grow within the organisation.
