At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in overcoming challenges and promoting positive change.
- Company: East Lothian Council, dedicated to child wellbeing and justice.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Internal applicants only; hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Approved Social Work qualification and SSSC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 22.76 - 25.36 £ per hour.
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of appropriate relevant experience and qualifications and salary placed within the advertised scale. Hourly rate of pay: £22.76 - £25.36.
Days and hours of work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Days of working are negotiable, flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible. To start asap.
East Lothian Children's Services has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent position as a Social Worker in the Wellbeing and Justice Team until March 2027. The team consists of 1 equivalent team leader, 2 senior practitioners, 3+ equivalent social workers and 2.5 equivalent family support workers and has dedicated administrative support.
The Wellbeing and Justice Team provides support to children and young people involved in different levels of offending behaviour, from Early and Effective Intervention to children who have caused serious harm, as well as general Social Work support to their families. We use various interventions with children and families to support change and the development of positive and lasting networks to continue that support when social work is no longer needed.
Training is very important in terms of tools and different sorts of intervention, some of which is carried out within individual supervision, but East Lothian Council also runs regular and extensive training. Current Social Work staff have training and experience in varying risk assessment tools and in interventions such as Safer Lives. Experience and training in these would be highly beneficial but not essential.
East Lothian Children’s Services are keen to recruit workers who are passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families. We are committed to promoting an open and trusting culture at all levels of the organisation and prioritise continuous professional development and learning. Our staff are our greatest asset and we strive to be supportive, inclusive and child centred by prioritising effective supervision, manageable caseloads and a healthy work life balance.
If you wish to discuss this vacancy or working for Children’s Services in East Lothian Council, please contact the team leader: Rosie Thomson (Monday to Wednesday) or Louise Humphreys (Wednesday to Friday).
In line with current Government guidance, any PVG costs associated with this role will be paid for by the Scottish Government. There will be no charge to the applicant.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration: Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
This post is open only to current employees of East Lothian Council (this includes agency/casual/locum staff who are currently undertaking work for us).
Job Details: To provide an effective service to service users and their families/carers, promoting a high standard of practice, in accordance with statutory obligations, policies and procedures. Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
- Education/Qualifications Essential: Approved qualification in Social Work, and SSSC registration. Those with international Social Work qualifications should not apply unless they are fully registered with the SSSC.
- Driving Licence: Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle. Where a disability precludes you from obtaining a driving licence, ELC will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability.
- PVG Membership: This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults.
Social Worker - Wellbeing & Justice Team (Children's Services) - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12877 in Musselburgh employer: East Lothian Council
At Whitecraig Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment for our Early Years Support Workers. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to high-quality early years care, our new nursery space offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children aged 2-5. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also encourages growth and collaboration within a vibrant school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Wellbeing & Justice Team (Children's Services) - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12877 in Musselburgh
✨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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 - Wellbeing & Justice Team (Children's Services) - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12877 in Musselburgh
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 East Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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.
