Newly Qualified Social Worker

Newly Qualified Social Worker

Coventry Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Coventry City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and families while gaining hands-on experience in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Join Coventry City Council, a vibrant and diverse organisation dedicated to social change.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive network, career progression, and a fantastic rewards package.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; DBS check required.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates or students nearing qualification in Social Work.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

  • 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.

About The Team We Are Recruiting To

In Coventry our Social Workers combine established values and contemporary thinking to put the child at the beginning, middle and end of our work.

Coventry's Social Work Academy will give you a great grounding for your career so that you flourish and have the tools to do your job well!

For Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs)

Coventry's Social Work Academy will develop and promote your core skills, knowledge and skills; and support your journey into Newly Qualified Social Workers from the start of their professional careers to be confident in the work they deliver, with the reassurance that within the high levels of challenge, there is a highly supportive network and framework around them to enable them to do their job well!

Newly Qualified Social Workers spend 6 months based within the Academy with time spent with "host" and "shadowing" teams, so NQSWs can experience developed practice and gain a good understanding of the systems, processes and services in Coventry. The learning environment of the Academy offers NQSWs higher levels of supervision and support throughout their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). NQSWs will receive coaching, mentoring and guidance from the Social Work Academy Team to assist them in transitioning from students into professional practice.

Opportunities to shadow and jointly work with children living in complex situations including children who are care experienced and subject to child protection plans, in order to prepare NQSWs for more independent practice as their experience grows.

Critical reflection time to explore the work NQSWs shadow to translate theory into practice and to consider the impact of interventions for the children and families.

Support and training in our Family Valued practice framework with families, so that this practice naturally informs assessments and interventions with children and families.

A career progression scheme to promote and support both learning, and professional development.

Outreach support from the Social Work Academy for the final 6 months of the ASYE when NQSWs are settling into their team.

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?

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
  • If you have had a Social Work student placement with Coventry

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.

Interview date(s): week commencing 30th June 2025

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 - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies

Newly Qualified Social Worker employer: Coventry City Council

Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer for Newly Qualified Social Workers, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises professional development and community impact. With access to the Social Work Academy, employees benefit from extensive training, mentorship, and a strong network of support, ensuring they are well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. The vibrant city of Coventry fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in their careers while contributing to positive social change.
Coventry City Council

Contact Detail:

Coventry City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Social Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Coventry's One Values. Understanding and aligning your personal values with those of the organisation can significantly enhance your chances during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with current employees or alumni from Coventry's Social Work Academy. Networking can provide you with insider knowledge about the role and the team dynamics, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experiences with diversity and inclusion. Given the emphasis on these values in the job description, showcasing your understanding and commitment can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to demonstrate your reflective practice skills. The role involves critical reflection on interventions, so having examples of how you've applied theory to practice will be beneficial in the interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualified Social Worker

Empathy and Compassion
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Child Protection Policies
Understanding of Social Work Principles
Ability to Work in a Team
Time Management
Resilience
Reflective Practice
Interpersonal Skills
Cultural Competence
Report Writing Skills
Adaptability
Networking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Values: Familiarise yourself with Coventry's One Coventry Values. Make sure to reflect these values in your application, demonstrating how you align with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that relate specifically to the role of a Newly Qualified Social Worker. Emphasise any placements or experiences that showcase your ability to work with children and families.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for social work and your desire to contribute to Coventry's Children's Services. Use specific examples to illustrate your commitment to the values they uphold.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council

✨Understand the Values

Familiarise yourself with Coventry's One Values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Highlight any relevant placements or experiences you've had during your studies. Discuss specific situations where you demonstrated critical thinking and empathy, especially in challenging scenarios.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with children and families in complex situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the Social Work Academy and the support available for Newly Qualified Social Workers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your eagerness to learn and grow.

Newly Qualified Social Worker
Coventry City Council
Location: Coventry
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