At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, developing innovative approaches to improve their lives.
- Company: Join an Outstanding Children’s Service in Darlington, rated highly by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a range of employee benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to innovation and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passionate about social work, whether newly qualified or experienced.
The predicted salary is between 113948 - 131964 £ per year.
Salary Band 9 £35,412 - £38,220 per annum (ASYE/pre-progression)/ Band 10 - £39,152 - £41,771 (SW main grade) Band 11 £42,839 - £46,142 (SW experienced)
Salary Band £30,001 to £40,000
Post Type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: Full time
Join an Outstanding Children’s Service and Help Shape the Future of Family Help in Darlington.
Are you a passionate and motivated Social Worker, whether newly qualified or experienced, who is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children and families? If so, we would love to hear from you.
Darlington Children’s Services is proud to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. We are ambitious about the future and excited about the next stage of our journey as we continue to develop and innovate our services for children and families.
What Ofsted said about us:
Inspectors found a resilient and committed workforce with strong morale and a shared commitment to improving children’s lives. Some staff told inspectors how much they love working in Darlington. Staff value the high level of support they receive, including creative development opportunities and initiatives such as the Experts in Practice programme, which has positively influenced practice and reflects leaders’ ambition for continuous professional growth.
We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic and forward-thinking individuals who want to be part of this exciting next chapter. You will play a key role in developing and embedding relational practice, strengthening local networks and community capacity, and helping us deliver innovative approaches that make a real difference to children and families.
This is a particularly exciting time to join Darlington. We are making strong progress in delivering the Families First reforms, providing opportunities to be involved in pioneering approaches and helping to shape the future of family help and support services.
We are committed to supporting our workforce and offer an agile working model across our services. This approach enables colleagues to achieve a healthy balance between home and office working while ensuring children and families continue to receive the highest quality support.
Come and be part of a service where relationships matter, innovation is encouraged, and together we can make a lasting difference to children’s lives.
- 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
- Staff equality forums
- Green Car Leasing Scheme
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
- Physiotherapy service
- Confidential counselling service
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
- Local and National retailer discounts
- Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
- Arriva Employee Travel Club
This post is eligible for the Social Worker Recruitment and Retention payment paid annually to Social Workers with a minimum of one year's post qualifying experience in a Social Worker role who have successfully completed their ASYE year (if applicable). The payment is currently £2,500 per annum (pro-rata for part time hours, reviewed annually).
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.
Social Worker - Children Service employer: Darlington Borough Council
Darlington Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and safety in the Tees Valley. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in public service.
Contact Details:
Darlington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children Service
✨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 Darlington Borough 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 Darlington Borough 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 Darlington Borough 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 Darlington Borough 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 Service
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 Darlington Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Darlington Borough 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 Darlington Borough 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.
