At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate children's services complaints and ensure fair handling of issues.
- Company: Civic Recruitment Limited, dedicated to improving children's services.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work independently with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a voice for children and families, driving positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or complaint investigation, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 40 £ per hour.
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To independently investigate Stage 2 complaints relating to Children's Services under the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales), ensuring complaints are handled fairly, transparently, and in accordance with statutory requirements. The role supports accountability, promotes service improvement, and helps ensure positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent investigations into Stage 2 complaints relating to Children's Services.
- Review and analyse relevant evidence, including case records, policies, procedures, and supporting documentation.
- Interview complainants, family members, advocates, staff, and other relevant parties as part of the investigation process.
- Work collaboratively with an Independent Person where required to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with statutory guidance.
- Prepare clear, balanced, and evidence-based investigation reports, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Ensure all investigations are completed in line with the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales) and relevant legislation.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and impartiality.
- Identify opportunities for learning and service improvement arising from complaint investigations.
Requirements
- Significant experience within children's social care, safeguarding, complaint investigation, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including:
- Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
- Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales)
- Demonstrated ability to conduct fair, thorough, and impartial investigations.
- Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and objectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience working with individuals involved in sensitive or challenging situations.
- Ability to work independently, manage workloads effectively, and meet agreed deadlines.
- Ability to demonstrate independence from Cardiff Council Children's Services.
- Relevant professional qualification in social work, law, investigations, complaints handling, or a related discipline.
- Experience of conducting statutory or independent investigations within public sector services.
- Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).
Additional Information
- Location: Cardiff (work undertaken across Cardiff with flexible/hybrid working arrangements).
- Hours: Sessional role; hours allocated on an as-needed basis.
- Payment: Bi-weekly payments based on approved hours worked (£40 per hour professional time and £12.50 per hour travel time).
Independent Officer - Children’s Services Complaints in Cardiff employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families within the Cardiff community. With a strong commitment to fairness and transparency, our work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, ensuring that employees are supported in their roles while contributing to vital service improvements. The flexible working arrangements and competitive pay structure further enhance the appeal of this role, making it an ideal choice for those seeking rewarding employment in the social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Officer - Children’s Services Complaints in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Civic Recruitment Limited, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Officer - Children’s Services Complaints in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Civic Recruitment Limited. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Civic Recruitment Limited. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Independent Officer - Children’s Services Complaints role at Civic Recruitment Limited, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Civic Recruitment Limited that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
