At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and coach teams to enhance safeguarding practices for children.
- Company: Compass Community, a values-driven organisation focused on child welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, cashback for medical treatments, and service awards.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear progression pathways and no on-call duties.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives without the stress of a caseload.
- Qualifications: Social Work England registration and experience in safeguarding and child protection.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 45000 £ per year.
About The Role
Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.
Drive Outstanding Safeguarding. Influence Practice. Improve Lives. We're looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Social Worker to join our Quality & Safeguarding Team and help shape safeguarding practice across our residential services in the Central region. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact without the pressures of a caseload or on-call responsibilities. Working closely with operational teams, you'll champion high standards, strengthen safeguarding practice and help ensure children receive the safe, nurturing care they deserve.
Hybrid role | Home-based with travel across the Central region | No caseload | No on-call
What You'll Do
- Support, coach and challenge teams to deliver outstanding safeguarding practice.
- Review safeguarding records and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Drive quality assurance and promote a strong safeguarding culture.
- Contribute to safeguarding strategy, policy and service development.
- Deliver workshops, coaching and practice development sessions.
- Ensure recording and reporting demonstrate strong analysis and professional judgement.
- Identify and communicate safeguarding concerns effectively.
What You'll Bring
- Social Work England registration and safeguarding/child protection experience.
- Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
- Excellent communication, report writing and analytical skills.
- Confidence influencing, mentoring and supporting professionals.
- A proactive, resilient and child-focused approach.
- Strong IT and organisational skills.
- A full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across the Central region.
Why Join Compass?
- Make a strategic impact on safeguarding practice.
- Shape and influence service improvement.
- Work flexibly with no caseload or on-call duties.
- Be part of a supportive, values-driven organisation.
Benefits of joining Compass
- Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments including optical and dental with MediCash.
- Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards.
- Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days within 4 years, plus all bank holidays.
- Additional 2.5 days each year for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a half day festive shopping day.
- Life Assurance Scheme. Named beneficiaries qualify for 3x annual salary after successful completion of probationary.
- Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, pension payments, technology and cycle to work.
- Clear progression pathways with our Management Training programme.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help us shape a safer, brighter future for children and young people.
Senior Social Worker in Syston employer: Compass Fostering
Compass Community is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children through a therapeutic and innovative approach. With a strong emphasis on integrity, courage, and care, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements without the pressures of a caseload. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits, including additional leave for personal well-being and clear pathways for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker in Syston
✨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 Compass Fostering.
✨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 Compass Fostering!
✨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 Compass Fostering, 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 Compass Fostering 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 Senior Social Worker in Syston
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 Compass Fostering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Compass Fostering! 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 Compass Fostering
✨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.
