At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in need and protect their wellbeing through high-quality interventions.
- Company: Join Harrow Council, a diverse and supportive local authority dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, a collaborative environment, and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Other info: Harrow Council values diversity and is committed to equality in the workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that prioritises children's safety and wellbeing in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Qualification and at least one year of post-qualifying experience.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The London Borough of Harrow is looking for experienced, dedicated Social Workers to join our Children’s Safeguarding service. To be successful in this role, you will have at least one year of post-qualifying experience and have already successfully completed your ASYE. You will work with a diverse range of children in need of help and protection, including those subject to Child in Need or Child Protection plans, children looked after, and those currently subject to public law care proceedings.
As part of this stable and productive team, you will benefit from a highly supportive environment where the safety and wellbeing of children are placed at the heart of everything we do. Our focus is on delivering high-quality interventions that achieve the best possible outcomes for children and their families across the borough. We are seeking practitioners who are committed to professional excellence and who thrive in a collaborative service dedicated to meaningful, positive change.
We are seeking applications from committed professional social workers, looking to join a well-run and organised service, where good practice standards, accountability and career development are highly regarded. Successful applicants will have the following:
- Have a Social Work Qualification i.e. BSc, MSc/MA, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent
- At least 1 year of post-qualifying experience
- Be registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker
- Eligible to work in the UK and practice as a SW
- Able to pass a clear enhanced DBS check
- Working knowledge of all statutory duties and responsibilities relating to children and families, including legislation, regulations and standards, government objectives and initiatives, national and common assessment framework.
Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.
To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
The London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.
Social Worker/Senior Social Worker - Children in Need Team employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an excellent employer, offering a supportive multi-disciplinary environment where Occupational Therapists can thrive. With flexible scheduling options, employees enjoy a great work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation prioritises professional development and growth opportunities, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to enhance the independence and safety of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker/Senior Social Worker - Children in Need Team
✨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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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/Senior Social Worker - Children in Need Team
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 Harrow Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harrow 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 Harrow 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.