At a Glance
- Tasks: Safeguard and improve outcomes for children in the Youth Justice Service.
- Company: Dynamic Results Coaching, a forward-thinking Merseyside Local Authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and 2.5 years experience in youth justice or children's services.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to professional excellence and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 44093 - 44093 ÂŁ per year.
A Merseyside Local Authority is seeking an experienced and qualified Social Worker to join our Youth Justice Service (YPT) on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2.5 years post‑qualifying experience, specific to youth justice, safeguarding, or statutory children’s services.
About The Role
Under the supervision of a Social Care Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the safeguarding needs of children, young people and their families are assessed and responded to in a timely, effective, and child‑centred manner. All duties will be carried out in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies and procedures. You will manage a complex and varied caseload, undertake assessments, complete direct work with children and young people, and contribute to multi‑agency planning within the Youth Justice framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and their families within a Merseyside Local Authority
- Carry out timely and robust assessments in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families and Working Together guidance
- Ensure children, young people, families, and partner agencies are actively involved in assessments and care planning
- Undertake direct, child‑centred work with children and young people
- Manage a complex and varied caseload within the Youth Justice Service
- Prepare and implement care plans that reflect the views and wishes of children and young people
- Maintain high‑quality case records and produce reports in line with service guidance and national standards
- Practice in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)
- Work in an anti‑oppressive manner and ensure this is reflected in practice and recording
- Support Newly Qualified Social Workers through the ASYE programme as an Assessor where required
- Participate in service development, training, and continuous professional development to meet HCPC standards
- Comply with all council financial regulations, health and safety requirements, data protection, and information security policies
Essential Requirements
- Social Work qualification and registration with the relevant professional body
- Minimum of 2.5 years post‑qualifying experience, relevant to Youth Justice or statutory children’s services
- Strong assessment, analytical, and report‑writing skills
- Experience of managing complex cases and working within multi‑agency settings
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and anti‑oppressive practice
Our Benefits Package
Financial Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual incremental progression
- Nationally negotiated annual pay awards
- Car mileage payments and free car parking
- Salary sacrifice schemes including hybrid and electric vehicle leasing, home goods and electricals
- Financial wellbeing support, including affordable borrowing
- 24‑hour financial advice via Employee Assistance Programme
- Transparent pay structures so you know how your salary will progress
Pension
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined benefit pension
- Pension based on salary and length of service, with guaranteed income for life
- Inflation‑protected pensions linked to CPI
- Employer contributions typically 14-20%
- Ill‑health retirement and death‑in‑service benefits (3x salary lump sum plus survivor pensions)
- Option for early retirement from age 55 (with reductions)
- Opportunities to top up pension contributions through salary sacrifice
Wellbeing & WorkLife Balance
- 36‑hour full‑time working week
- Generous annual leave: Up to 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising to 36 days with long service
- Additional two concessionary days over the festive period
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Flexible and hybrid working options (role dependent)
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme and active travel support
- Free flu jab and free eye tests
- Occupational health services and workplace adjustments
- 24‑hour health and wellbeing support, including counselling
- Access to health programmes such as weight management and smoking cessation
- Strong Trade Union representation (Unison, GMB, Unite)
Discounts
- High‑street, dining, leisure, cinema, travel and holiday discounts
- Discounted gym memberships
- Reduced‑cost travel passes
- Mobile phone provider discounts
Family & Carers Support
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Paternity leave and shared parental leave
- Family‑friendly policies supporting adoption, fostering, fertility treatment and caring responsibilities
- Unpaid emergency leave
- Carers passports to support work‑life balance
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a supportive, forward‑thinking Youth Justice Service where your experience is valued, your development is supported, and your work makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people. Apply today to be part of a Merseyside Local Authority committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and professional excellence.
Qualified Social Worker in Dartford employer: Dynamic Results Coaching
Contact Detail:
Dynamic Results Coaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about openings in youth justice services. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you’ve made a difference in children’s lives. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your skills in multi-agency collaboration during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve worked with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for young people. It’s all about teamwork!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Qualified Social Worker role. We’re committed to finding the right fit for our team, and your application will be in the right hands when you apply directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in youth justice and safeguarding. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dynamic Results Coaching
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and guidance related to youth justice and safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families, as well as the Working Together guidance. This will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date with current practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in managing complex cases and working within multi-agency settings. Be ready to discuss how you've promoted the welfare of children and young people, and how you've involved families and partner agencies in assessments and care planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
This role is all about safeguarding and anti-oppressive practice, so be sure to articulate your commitment to these values during the interview. Share instances where you've advocated for children's rights or challenged oppressive practices in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the authority measures success in safeguarding. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.