At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to improving the lives of local families.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working, and a relocation package.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team focused on safeguarding and empowering youth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Social Worker is essential; passion for helping others is a must.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and career progression await you!
The predicted salary is between 29200 - 34600 £ per year.
We are looking for experienced Social Workers to help us on our improvement journey. Come and join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to gain the best for children and families in Herefordshire.
Herefordshire is on a journey and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve and protect the children and young people within it.
We Offer:
- A competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- Social Worker starting salary of £35,235 - £39,513 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year £40,235 - £44,513).
- Welcome payment of £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams.
- Retention payments.
- Internal refer a friend scheme: £1,000 if you refer an experienced permanent Social Worker.
- Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000.
- Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS).
- Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers.
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress to senior social worker level.
- Generous Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum.
- Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees.
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
We have Social Worker positions in the following teams:
- Safeguarding & Support
- Assessment & Support
- Fostering Kinship
About Us: Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county located in the heart of the Marches on the border with Wales. We are one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England with a wealth of unspoilt countryside, distinctive heritage, and lively and attractive market towns.
Our priority in Herefordshire is to keep children safe and give them a great start in life. It’s the priority for the council, our partners and for all of us who work with Children & Young People.
How do we do this? By having dynamic, dedicated, passionate and professional staff who work in a culture that focuses on what we can achieve with children, what they can achieve themselves, and the relationship we build with families and partners to enable this.
We have invested heavily in training and developing staff in our relational practice approach with our improvement partner Leeds City Council, so it’s an exciting time to join Herefordshire – we believe in investing in you so you can be the best you can be!
Herefordshire has a really strong team ethos. Our teams are passionate about the work they do and the positive difference they and the teams they are in make to people’s lives. This is all underpinned by the focus and support from their managers and the council as a whole.
Herefordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks.
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability.
- Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist.
- Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.
Social Worker - Children & Young People employer: Herefordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Herefordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children & Young People
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Herefordshire Council's values and their Restorative Journey of Improvement. Understanding their approach will help you align your experiences and values with theirs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Herefordshire Council, especially those in social work roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. Highlighting your practical experience will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local community in Herefordshire, including its challenges and resources. Showing that you understand the area and its needs will reflect your dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children & Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for working with children and young people. Include specific examples of your previous work experience, particularly in social work, and how it has prepared you for this role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure your CV clearly lists your relevant qualifications, including any social work degrees, certifications, and training. Mention any specific training related to safeguarding and relational practice, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Herefordshire Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker for Children & Young People. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on safeguarding and improving the lives of children and families.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your passion for social work and your commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your dedication to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated difficult cases and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team's approach to relational practice, professional development opportunities, and how they measure success in their improvement journey. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.