At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families in a dynamic, multi-agency environment.
- Company: Coventry City Council, an 'Outstanding' Local Authority committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, competitive rewards, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and offer guaranteed interviews for underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives and help shape a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience with child protection and assessments.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias. At Coventry City Council, we are embarking on an incredible journey to create a brighter future for Coventry's children. As an 'Outstanding' Local Authority, we believe in pushing boundaries and delivering excellence for children and families. Our vision is clear, and our social workers are unwavering in their commitment to putting children and families at the centre of their practice. Be part of our inspiring team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Coventry's children. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every child's potential can flourish.
Our Values
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?
We have an opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Children and Family Initial Response Service (formerly MASH). This is a great opportunity to experience working in a busy, multi-agency environment focused on providing high-quality advice to ensure families receive appropriate support. The Children and Family Initial Response Service brings key professionals together to facilitate quality information sharing, analysis and decision-making, to safeguard vulnerable children and young people more effectively. Our Children and Family Initial Response Service is the front door to statutory services, applying consistent thresholds based on Effective Support for Families.
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for social workers who are committed to achieving the best for our children, young people, and families. We particularly welcome applications from those from underrepresented backgrounds and all walks of life to give our diverse city the greatest level of support it deserves. You will need to have a recognised professional Social Work qualification (MA/BA/BSc in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work or CQSW) and Social Work England registration with experience in working with looked after children, child protection, court proceedings and completing assessments within timescales.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tariro Maya - MASH Team Manager, tariro.maya@coventry.gov.uk. If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities. If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package.
Social Worker Children and Family Initial Response Service (formerly MASH) in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. As a Trauma-Informed Outreach Worker for Women, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, allowing you to grow in your role while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable women in Coventry. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empowerment, working here means being part of a team that values compassion and innovation in addressing complex social issues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Children and Family Initial Response Service (formerly MASH) in Coventry
✨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 Coventry City Council.
✨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 Coventry City Council!
✨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 Coventry City Council, 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 Coventry City Council 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 Social Worker Children and Family Initial Response Service (formerly MASH) in Coventry
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 Coventry City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Coventry City Council! 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 Coventry City Council
✨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.
