At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide intensive support to children and families, ensuring positive outcomes.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health and wellbeing support, discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HNC or SVQ level 3 required; knowledge of child protection essential.
The predicted salary is between 36774 - 39363 £ per year.
This post may be suitable for secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post.
Dumfries & Galloway Children and Families Social Work Service has an opening for four Senior Family Support Workers to join and support our Intensive Support Team. The Intensive Support Team will provide a service tailored to the individual needs of children and their families where the children are at risk of being accommodated out with the family home; returning home or to the local area from out of region placements; or where foster or kinship placements are at risk of breaking down.
The Intensive Support Team is a region-wide team; however these posts will be relating to the East of the region. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Intensive Support Team and develop a new service whilst working collaboratively across children’s services to achieve positive outcomes and support children and young people to remain living with their families or support rehabilitation back to their families/local area.
The nature of this role will require flexible working and will include mornings, evenings and weekends. As a Senior Family Support Worker, you will be expected to provide intensive support to children and their families in their homes and also within foster, kinship and residential placements; undertake training specific to this role; work with a range of partner agencies; and be committed to ensuring the best possible service.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive team player and have the ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and independently. You must have a good working knowledge of child protection, legislation and regulations in relation to looked after children and young people, and an understanding of the challenges they, and their families, face.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, the ability to be creative and challenge with sensitivity. We can offer you a commitment to your own learning and professional development, and ensure regular reflective one-to-one supervision, group supervision, peer support and regular team meetings and development sessions.
An HNC or SVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent is essential. This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident. A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
At Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
For further information please contact Josephine Marr (07834567844), Senior Social Worker. Josephine.Marr@dumgal.gov.uk
Senior Family Support Worker - DGA13669 in Dumfries employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Stranraer Academy is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to the vibrant community of Stranraer. The school also provides a generous benefits package, including access to discounts and a significant relocation package, making it an attractive place for educators seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Family Support Worker - DGA13669 in Dumfries
✨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 Dumfries and Galloway 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 Dumfries and Galloway 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 Dumfries and Galloway 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 Dumfries and Galloway 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 Senior Family Support Worker - DGA13669 in Dumfries
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 Dumfries and Galloway Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dumfries and Galloway 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 Dumfries and Galloway 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.
