At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, advocating for positive change in their lives.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's dedicated Children & Families Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £5,000 Welcome Payment, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We're seeking passionate and dedicated Social Workers who are committed to safeguarding children, supporting families, and delivering meaningful, long-term change throughout South & West Devon. By joining our Children & Families Service, you'll play a vital role in improving outcomes and creating brighter futures for children and young people across the region.
Our Children & Families Service offers a dynamic, supportive environment where you can make a real and lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable children and their families. Based at Follaton House in Totnes, we use restorative practice to support and safeguard children in need. Through effective management of legal proceedings and care arrangements, our skilled and experienced teams work in partnership with children and their families building strong, trusting relationships and identifying strengths to achieve long-term positive outcomes. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating safer, healthier and happier lives for children and young people across Devon.
As a Social Worker within Children & Families, you'll bring your professional skills, compassion and judgement to support children, young people and families through some of the most important moments in their lives. You'll manage a varied caseload, working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve meaningful, long-term change. We're looking for someone who values relationship-based practice, can adapt to a fast-paced environment, and is committed to delivering high-quality assessments and interventions that help improve outcomes for children, young people, families and carers.
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will work creatively and flexibly to promote positive long-term change, ensuring permanence from the outset. Your skills and experience will include:
- Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children's social work
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
- Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
- A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- A high-level of written and verbal communication skills
We offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:
- A £5,000 Welcome Payment for eligible new permanent staff
- Retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata.
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Free onsite parking
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance and well-being services for the times you may need some support
- Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and flexible working options where possible
- A benefits platform that offers discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
We welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified candidates who are now residing in the UK and interested in joining our team. If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance.
This role requires:
- A suitable DBS check.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Confidence and fluency in spoken English.
Devon County Council is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Social Worker - Children & Families (South & West) in Topsham employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional development. As a Lead Approved Mental Health Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health services while benefiting from a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children & Families (South & West) in Topsham
✨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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 & Families (South & West) in Topsham
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 Devon County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Devon County 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 Devon County 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.