At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster carers to ensure safe, nurturing care for children.
- Company: Join Five Rivers, a dedicated team focused on positive outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with manageable caseloads and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family support.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are looking for a dedicated and motivated Social Worker to join our Doncaster Fostering Service. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with work completed from home, face-to-face meetings with foster carers across the Doncaster region, and attendance at our Doncaster office when required. You will join a supportive and experienced fostering team with a strong commitment to delivering the best outcomes for children and young people. Five Rivers works from a Trauma-Informed (ATIC) model, integrating our fostering, residential, clinical, and education services to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people. Teams are supported by a psychologist, therapeutic practitioner, foster support workers, and business support coordinators. This, alongside manageable workloads, enables our social workers to provide high-quality support and intervention to foster families.
About The Role
As a Social Worker within our fostering service, you will provide support and supervision to foster carers, ensuring that children and young people receive safe, stable, and nurturing care. You will work closely with foster families, local authorities, and internal professionals to promote positive outcomes for children and young people. The role offers realistic caseloads and the opportunity to work within a continually evolving trauma-informed practice model. You may also support recruitment activities, attend fostering events, complete assessments, and contribute to the ongoing development of our fostering service. A successful Social Worker will be a team player, committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for foster carers and the children they care for.
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification
- Registered with Social Work England
- Experience of working with children, young people, and families
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
- Right to work in the UK
Why Five Rivers?
- Professional social work supervision provided by an experienced manager
- Group clinical supervision provided by a qualified psychologist/clinician
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays each year
- Access to high-quality training and career progression opportunities
- Competitive salary plus car allowance
- Pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
- Perkbox discount scheme membership
- Enhanced Maternity Leave package for employees with over one year's service
- Simplyhealth Membership
Safeguarding
Five Rivers Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including employment references and an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.
Social Worker - Doncaster employer: Five Rivers
At Five Rivers Child Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for our teachers in Ilford. Our commitment to professional development is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a strong focus on personal growth, ensuring that you can thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our children and young people. With a culture that values respect and collaboration, you will be part of a dedicated team working within a trauma-informed framework, making every day varied and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Doncaster
✨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 Five Rivers.
✨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 Five Rivers!
✨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 Five Rivers, 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 Five Rivers 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 - Doncaster
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 Five Rivers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Five Rivers! 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 Five Rivers
✨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.
