At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance child participation and oversee vital support services.
- Company: Dynamic Children’s Services team in Stevenage or Hatfield, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and travel.
- Why this job: Empower young people and families while shaping impactful community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in children’s services and strong safeguarding practices required.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 41771 £ per year.
A dynamic role within Children’s Services, based in Stevenage or Hatfield with countywide travel. Fixed‑term 12‑month contract. Expected salary £38,220 progressing to £41,771 per annum. Hours 37.
The position focuses on leading a team of Participation Workers, overseeing the Return Home Interview service and improving child participation across diverse communities.
Responsibilities- Lead and support staff by supervising Participation Workers, providing guidance, performance management and professional development.
- Deliver and oversee return home discussions for young people who have experienced missing episodes.
- Analyse and use feedback and data to inform service improvements.
- Work directly with young people and families to build trusting relationships and capture their experiences for care planning.
- Identify barriers to engagement and develop inclusive approaches to improve access.
- Collaborate with partners including safeguarding panels and multi‑agency forums to support risk management.
- Contribute to safeguarding oversight and ensure risks are identified and addressed.
- Deputise for the Team Manager when required to support continuity and project delivery.
- Essential experience working in frontline statutory children’s services with strong safeguarding practices.
- Evidence of working with vulnerable children and young people, including those at risk of exploitation or who go missing.
- Strong partnership working skills and ability to build relationships across teams and agencies.
- Ability to analyse information and use data and feedback to inform decision‑making and service delivery.
- Experience of leading or supporting others, via formal management, projects or peer support.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills to manage competing demands.
- Child‑centred approach that prioritises the voice and lived experience of young people.
- Knowledge of child development and social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Willingness to travel and work flexibly, including occasional evenings.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check required.
- English fluency in spoken and written form.
- Experience supervising or managing staff.
- Knowledge of participation and co‑production approaches.
- Experience with Liquid Logic Case Management Systems.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and will guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability that meets the minimum criteria for the post. This role requires a DBS check and requires the ability to drive or travel within Hertfordshire. Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work.
Senior Children & Families Participation Worker in Hatfield employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As a Senior Children & Families Participation Worker, you will join a supportive and dynamic team within Children's Services, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and families across Stevenage and Hatfield. Our inclusive work culture prioritises professional development and collaboration, offering opportunities for growth while ensuring that the voices of children are at the heart of our service delivery. With a commitment to safeguarding and community engagement, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Children & Families Participation Worker in Hatfield
✨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 Hertfordshire County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Children & Families Participation Worker in Hatfield
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 Hertfordshire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hertfordshire County 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 Hertfordshire County 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.
