At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Children and Families Team to support children and families in need.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and strong team support.
- Other info: Experience in child protection and family support is beneficial.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Relevant Social Work qualification and registration with the Scottish Social Work Services Council.
The predicted salary is between 44394 - 47604 £ per year.
We require four Social Workers to join our Children and Families Team who has the energy and enthusiasm necessary to make a significant contribution to the work of the team and improve outcomes for children and their families throughout the East of our region.
What we can offer you: This Children and Families Team offers an interesting variety of casework as the team works with children, young people and their families from the point of referral and sustains support and intervention for as long as is required. As a result of being the first point of contact for new referrals, the team undertakes a significant amount of Child Protection work. Additionally, there is the opportunity to work with children and young people who are involved in the Children’s Hearing System, who are Looked After at home or accommodated and those supported through Childs Plans. You will therefore have the opportunity to gain experience in an aspect of Children and Families work that interests you.
We are an authority that is committed to improving standards and service delivery, where children and their families are at the centre of what we do. To support this, we use a strength and relationship based approach.
The working day in a Children and Families team can’t be predicted, thus it is essential that you feel supported. You will receive good support and regular supervision and we offer flexible working. The team is committed to supporting each other and management are committed to the development of our staff.
What we want from you: As well as having excellent communication skills, you will be a self-motivated, dynamic individual who is committed to promoting and ensuring that children and young people remain the focus of your work. You will have the skills to initiate and develop effective working relationships with children, young people, their families, colleagues and other agencies and contribute to the development of the team and your own professional development. An understanding of the effects that drug and alcohol misuse can have on parenting would be beneficial as would an understanding of the effects that domestic violence has on children and young people. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the effects of poverty and social isolation on children and their families. You will need to have a sound knowledge of child development and the ability to empower parents to meet the changing developmental needs of their child. Any experience of statutory and non-statutory interventions, Looked After Children, dealings with the Children’s Hearing service is beneficial. Additionally you will be required to have an understanding of Child Protection, thresholds and procedures and be knowledgeable about current research and legislation.
Dumfries and Galloway is an ideal place to live for those looking for a good quality of life with rural woodland and miles of coast line to explore and the advantage of competitive living costs. The location is easily accessible to Cumbria, Northern Ireland and Scotland’s Central belt.
A relevant Social Work qualification is essential as is registration with the Scottish Social Work Services Council.
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and / or 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 of countries where 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.
Informal enquiries to: Suzanne Gibson, Team Manager on 07468709954 or email: Suzanne.gibson@dumgal.gov.uk
Social Worker - DGA13257 in Dumfries employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a strong team culture, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in their community. The picturesque location provides a high quality of life, with access to beautiful rural landscapes and competitive living costs, making it an ideal place to build a rewarding career.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - DGA13257 in Dumfries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Dumfries and Galloway Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of child protection and the impact of social issues on families. Use real-life examples from your experience to show you know your stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. Talk about why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to improving outcomes for those in need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - DGA13257 in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Worker. We want to see how you can contribute to our Children and Families Team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Social Worker, excellent communication is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to connect with children, families, and colleagues. Share examples that reflect your dynamic approach and how you’ve built effective relationships in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience with Child Protection work or knowledge of the Children’s Hearing System, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for candidates who understand the challenges faced by children and families, so any relevant background will definitely stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, child protection procedures, and the impact of social issues like poverty and domestic violence. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges faced by children and families.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for social work shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to child protection or working with families. Think about real-life examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in how you can grow within the organisation.
