At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multi-disciplinary team to support families and children in need.
- Company: Luton Borough Council, committed to creating a fair and sustainable community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £38ph, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across various sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for helping families.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To work within a multi-disciplinary Family Help Team delivering early help and child in need services. The team includes social workers, family help practitioners, psychologists, police community support officers, CAMHS workers, adult mental health nurses, health visitors, youth workers, housing officers and voluntary sector partners. You will assess children and families, analyse risk and need, and develop effective care plans. The role involves working closely with children, young people and families, completing statutory visits, parenting assessments and coordinating multi-agency support to safeguard and promote welfare.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assessment & Safeguarding: Complete high-quality, holistic assessments using the Department for Education guidance and Luton's Effective Support document. Lead multi-agency planning to address child protection concerns and children in need.
- Statutory Duties: Undertake duties under the Children Act 1989 including care proceedings, adoption/permanency planning, risk assessments and investigations. Obtain and implement Court Orders and represent the Council in court.
- Planning & Intervention: Create SMART plans aligned with the Practice Framework. Ensure needs are met through negotiation and collaboration. Promote anti-discriminatory practice and empower families.
- Direct Work: Build positive relationships with children and families. Ensure children's voices, wishes and feelings are heard and influence planning.
- Recording & Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely case records on Liquid Logic in line with GDPR and council standards.
- Court & Reporting: Prepare court reports and witness statements. Work in line with Luton Borough Council policies and procedures.
- CPD & Development: Engage in supervision, training and professional development through the Social Work Academy and Research in Practice.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Hybrid working (community, office and home-based). Regular home visits (often lone working, risk assessed). Exposure to emotional strain and occasional challenging behaviour. Attendance at meetings across multiple locations.
CONTEXT
Luton 2040 is a vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable town where no one lives in poverty and children can thrive. This role forms part of the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme, investing over £45 million into reforming: Family Help, Child Protection, Family Network Support Packages, and Safeguarding Partnerships.
The new system includes:
- Multi-disciplinary Family Help services
- Specialist child protection response
- Greater use of family networks and family group decision making
- Strengthened multi-agency leadership
Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Social Worker Family Help £38ph in Luton employer: Connect2Luton
Connect2Luton is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its social workers within a supportive multi-disciplinary Family Help Team. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, ongoing training through the Social Work Academy, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Luton. The investment in the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme further enhances the role's significance, ensuring that social workers are equipped to deliver high-quality services in a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Family Help £38ph in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the social work field, attend local events, and join online forums. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to family help and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social work during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping families and children. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Family Help £38ph in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Social Worker role. Highlight your experience with multi-agency work and child protection, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our Family Help Team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-life situations. Talk about your assessment skills, planning abilities, and how you’ve built relationships with families. We love seeing practical examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and be ready to discuss how you would handle assessments and safeguarding. This shows you’re not just interested, but also prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to build relationships with children and families. Think about times when you’ve successfully coordinated multi-agency support or created effective care plans. Real-life stories resonate well!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Family Help Team and their approach to child protection. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this role is the right fit for you.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Given the emotional strain that can come with social work, it’s important to demonstrate your resilience. Be ready to discuss how you manage stress and challenging behaviour, and highlight any strategies you use to maintain your well-being while supporting others.
