At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and safeguard vulnerable children and families in a supportive team.
- Company: Join a well-structured district team in Basingstoke with strong management support.
- Benefits: Earn £29.49 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and access free CPD opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and HCPC registration.
- Other info: Manageable caseloads and dedicated admin support for a balanced work-life.
We are looking to recruit a Qualified Social Worker to join the Children's Assessment and Safeguarding Team (CAST) in Basingstoke. This is a fantastic locum opportunity within a supportive, well-structured district.
Location: Basingstoke
Job Type: Locum / Full-Time (flexible or condensed hours available)
Pay Rate: £29.49 per hour
Why Join This Team?
- Strong, experienced management providing clear guidance and regular supervision
- A modern office environment
- Full support for locum workers, equivalent to permanent staff
- Free internal CPD opportunities
- Dedicated administrative support to help with day-to-day tasks
- Manageable caseloads averaging 25 families
We are looking for someone confident in managing complex cases and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete full assessments of risk, protection, and social care needs using professional skills, knowledge, and communication abilities.
- Work in partnership with other agencies and carry out joint assessments where needed.
- Arrange, provide, or commission appropriate services within legislation and departmental guidelines.
- Take action to safeguard vulnerable children and families in line with legal requirements.
- Manage a defined caseload following statutory procedures and good practice standards.
- Monitor and review care plans to ensure they continue to meet identified needs and goals.
- Keep accurate and timely case records using paper and digital systems.
- Produce clear, concise reports to support case management and decision-making.
- Provide up-to-date advice on benefits, fees, and allowances to help families gain support.
Requirements
- A recognised social work qualification (e.g., Social Work Degree, CQSW, DipSW)
- HCPC registration
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Clear, concise report-writing ability
- Ability to assess risk, analyse information, and solve problems
- Understanding of equality, dignity, empowerment, and safeguarding principles
- Experience working with children and families in a social work setting
- Knowledge of child protection legislation and substitute care
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and accurate recording
- Ability to manage workload, time, and competing demands
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role
Qualified Social Worker - CAST in Basingstoke employer: HL Services (London) Ltd
Contact Detail:
HL Services (London) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker - CAST in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts 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 practising common questions and scenarios specific to social work. Think about your experiences with complex cases and how you’ve made a difference. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that truly match your skills and values. Tailor your approach to each opportunity, especially when applying through our website. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker - CAST in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Qualified Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience with children and families, and showcase your understanding of safeguarding principles. We want to see how you match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: When writing your application, emphasise your strong communication and negotiation skills. Give examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases in the past. This will help us see your potential fit within our supportive team.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your reports and descriptions are straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at HL Services (London) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a social worker, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with families and other agencies. This could be through joint assessments or case management discussions, so have those stories ready to share!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about complex cases you've managed and how you approached them. Highlight your decision-making process and the outcomes to demonstrate your capability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, support structures, or professional development opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.