At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital out-of-hours support for children's social care emergencies.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, committed to community and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with enhancements, hybrid working, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in statutory settings required.
The predicted salary is between 51738 - 53919 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 12 £51,738-£53,919 + enhancements (between 8pm and 6am 20%; Sundays 50% and bank holidays 100%). Shifts include Mon-Fri 5pm-3am and regular weekends and bank holidays between 8am and 3am. Permanent - 36 hours per week Hybrid - weekdays based in the office.
Job Purpose: We are looking for an individual with extensive experience in statutory social work to deliver Croydon's out of hours response to emergencies that arise in children's social care providing a vital role in high quality service delivery and care to some of Croydon's most vulnerable residents. This role profile sets out the core elements of the childcare social worker role. These elements are relevant to all four levels of children's social work posts. The exact way in which these elements are manifested and applied will vary depending on the specialist focus of particular social worker roles.
About You:
- Social work qualification recognised by Social Work England.
- Knowledge of legislation and national policy and developments regarding children's social care, and policy areas that impact on children's social care.
- Ability to assess the needs of children, adults and families holistically and analytically, applying the relevant frameworks and tools.
- You must have experience of working as a social worker in a statutory setting with children and making professional judgments.
- Effective time management skills to deliver positive outcomes within expected timeframes.
- Ability to work out of hours.
About Us: Croydon Council's priorities include balancing its books, listening to residents, and delivering good sustainable services. Key business plan outcomes include:
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home.
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
Croydon Council's new ways of working include an Equal Opportunities Statement. Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Out of Hours Social Worker employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and professional development. As a permanent, full-time Community-Led Social Worker, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation in strengths-based support, while also having access to ongoing training and career advancement opportunities. Working in Croydon means being part of a vibrant community where your contributions directly impact the lives of residents and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Out of Hours Social Worker
✨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 Croydon 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 Croydon 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 Croydon 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 Croydon 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 Out of Hours Social Worker
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 Croydon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon 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 Croydon 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.
