At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through key life transitions and promote positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy £150 weekly expenses, travel reimbursement, and a referral bonus scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people with disabilities and additional needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Children's Social Care and safeguarding legislation.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Connect2Dorset is recruiting for an experienced Locum Social Worker to join Dorset Council's Birth to Settled Adulthood Service based in Wareham.
This rewarding opportunity offers the chance to work with children, young people and families aged 0-25, supporting those with a range of disabilities and additional needs through key life transitions and into adulthood.
If you are a passionate Children's Social Worker, Disability Social Worker, or SEND Social Worker looking for your next locum opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Early Help assessments and interventions
- Child in Need (CIN) assessments and planning
- Child Protection (CP) investigations and plans
- Children in Care (CIC) case management
- Working with children and young people with disabilities
- Undertaking statutory visits and reviews
- Completing assessments, reports and care planning
- Supporting children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes
- Multi-agency partnership working with health, education and community professionals
- Safeguarding children and promoting welfare
- Contributing to transition planning and Preparation for Adulthood pathways
- Supporting young people aged 16-25 as they move towards independent adulthood
- About the Team
- You will be joining a supportive and experienced multi-disciplinary team that includes:
- Social Workers
- Paediatric Occupational Therapists
- Family Workers
- Best Start in Life Advisers
- Preparation for Adulthood Professionals
The service has a strong focus on
- Children's safeguarding
- Family-centred practice
- Disability social work
- Multi-agency collaboration
- Positive outcomes for children and young people
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker (Degree, Dip SW, CQSW or equivalent)
- Current Social Work England registration
- Experience working within Children's Social Care
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory responsibilities
- Experience of Child in Need, Child Protection and Children in Care processes
- Excellent assessment, report writing and case management skills
- Strong communication and partnership working abilities
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle
Why Join Connect2Dorset?
Every pound of profit is reinvested into supporting Local Authority communities.
Benefits
- ✅ £150 per week allowable expenses*
- ✅ Travel reimbursement
- ✅ £500 referral bonus scheme
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd.
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business.
It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
Children's Social Worker - Birth to Settled Adulthood Service in Wareham employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant at Lytchett Minster School, you will benefit from a collaborative environment focused on student success, with opportunities for professional growth and training. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker - Birth to Settled Adulthood Service in Wareham
✨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 Connect2Dorset.
✨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 Connect2Dorset!
✨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 Connect2Dorset, 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 Connect2Dorset 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 Children's Social Worker - Birth to Settled Adulthood Service in Wareham
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 Connect2Dorset:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Dorset! 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 Connect2Dorset
✨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.
