At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and young people through high-quality social work interventions.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a desirable region.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people in need.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Connect2Kent exclusively recruits on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), supporting them in hiring both Locum and Permanent Social Workers across the county. With an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding', KCC offers an exceptional environment for social work professionals looking to make a real impact. We are currently seeking qualified and passionate Social Workers to join the South Kent Adolescent Support Team based in Ashford. If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready for a new challenge, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in one of the UK's most desirable regions.
Job Purpose:
- To deliver and improve services for Children in Need, with a clear focus on those in need of protection and the wider safeguarding agenda through the provision of high quality social work interventions and effective liaison with local partners.
- To work within a team of professional Social Workers and/or early intervention staff to provide services to children or young people who are on the edge of care.
- To provide statutory assessments and interventions to young homeless (aged 16 - 18) who would be considered as Southwark Judgements.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Manage a Children & Families caseload to include complex and diverse cases, involving joint housing assessments, child and family assessments and reviews, to effectively meet the needs of the client group, in line with the standards set out in the Social Care Capability Framework.
- Ensure that complex information is analysed, risks are identified and recommendations made for which there is professional accountability.
- Initiate and develop close working partnerships with statutory agencies, voluntary and private sector agencies, carers and those with parental responsibility in order to facilitate good outcomes for children and their families.
- Advocate for the rights of young persons, carers and families as detailed in current legislation, maintaining knowledge of available resources, and of the roles of other agencies and to liaise on behalf of service users.
- Complete effective and timely recording of accurate information using agreed systems.
- Maintain a good working knowledge of legislation, local policies and procedures, particularly those relating to Young Homeless, Looked After Children, Children in Need and Child Protection, acting in line with these to ensure consistency and a high quality of service delivery.
Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Experienced Social Worker in Ashford employer: Connect2Kent
Connect2Kent is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on mentorship and support, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Working in Kings Hill offers the unique advantage of a vibrant community, making it an ideal location for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker in Ashford
✨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 Connect2Kent.
✨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 Connect2Kent!
✨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 Connect2Kent, 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 Connect2Kent 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 Experienced Social Worker in Ashford
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 Connect2Kent:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Kent! 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 Connect2Kent
✨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.
