At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in family networks and help them thrive outside the care system.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities await you.
- Other info: Access to comprehensive wellbeing support and relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on families and children's futures every day.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration.
As a Social Worker in our Family Connections Service, you’ll play a vital role in helping children remain within their family networks and thrive outside of the care system. Your work will ensure children grow up in familiar, stable environments where they can flourish. You’ll assess, prepare, and support carers who have a connection to the child, working collaboratively with Social Workers, Team Managers, and legal representatives to deliver a whole-family approach to care planning. Our specialist team works closely with Children’s Social Work teams and other professionals to deliver safe, effective care within family networks. With over 900 children supported under Special Guardianship Orders and an average of 200 kinship carers in assessment, this is a dynamic and evolving service where your contribution will make a real difference.
What you’ll do:
- Advise Children’s Social Workers to identify and engage potential family and friends’ carers.
- Complete thorough assessments of connected carers for Special Guardianship or fostering roles.
- Equip carers with the knowledge and confidence to provide safe, nurturing homes.
- Deliver ongoing support to carers to ensure stability and positive outcomes for children.
- Contribute to service development, helping more children remain within their family networks.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and legislative frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care.
- Experience working with Children in Care and multi-agency teams.
- Clear and analytical report-writing and assessment skills, supporting sound, evidence-based decisions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and with prospective carers.
- Ability to work flexibly and travel across a large geographical area.
Why join us:
- Work in a collaborative, high-performing team with a clear vision for positive outcomes.
- Flexible working, including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
- Career development opportunities, including 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
- Up to £8,500 relocation assistance for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
- Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Social Worker (Family Connections Service) employer: Hampshire County Council
Join our Family Connections Service as a Social Worker and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong focus on collaboration, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional development, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises your wellbeing and career growth. Located in Hampshire, we offer generous relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally in this rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Family Connections Service)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of keeping children within family networks. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Family Connections Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Social Worker in our Family Connections Service. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strong interpersonal and communication skills through specific examples. We want to see how you've built effective relationships in your previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured reports, so make sure your application reflects your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can find more details about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding and the legislative frameworks related to fostering and Children in Care. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with Children in Care and multi-agency teams. Highlight how you've successfully built relationships and supported carers, as this will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to contribute to the Family Connections Service.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to service development or how they support carers, which will reflect your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for someone who can connect with families and children, so being genuine and approachable can set you apart from other candidates.
