At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate children's services complaints and ensure fair handling.
- Company: Cardiff Council, committed to improving services for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible freelance hours, and wellbeing sessions.
- Other info: Freelance role with opportunities for professional growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working independently.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and strong investigative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 40 £ per hour.
Independent Officer (freelance) – Children’s Services Complaints City of Cardiff Council. Pay rate: £40 an hour (£12.50 for travel hours). This freelance role requires an experienced, independent professional to investigate Stage 2 complaints under the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales). The position ensures complaints are handled fairly, transparently and in line with statutory guidance, supporting accountability and continuous improvement across services for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out independent investigations into Stage 2 children’s services complaints.
- Work with an Independent Person where required to ensure fairness, transparency and compliance.
- Gather and analyse evidence, including case records, policies and interviews with relevant parties.
- Engage sensitively with complainants, families, advocates and professionals.
- Produce clear, balanced, evidence‑based investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
- Ensure investigations comply with the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales) Regulations.
- Identify learning opportunities to support service improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Substantial experience in children’s social care, safeguarding or complaint investigation work.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including the Social Services and Well‑Being (Wales) Act 2014, the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and Welsh statutory complaints procedures.
- Ability to conduct fair, thorough and impartial investigations.
- Excellent report‑writing skills with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience managing sensitive situations.
- Capacity to work independently and manage assignments effectively.
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, legal or investigative background) is desirable.
Additional Information
- This is a freelance, sessional role with work allocated on an as‑needed basis.
- Applicants must demonstrate independence from Cardiff Council’s Children’s Services.
- The role involves dealing with sensitive and potentially distressing information, requiring professionalism and resilience.
Benefits
- 20 years’ experience in the Social Work market.
- Local agency based in Cardiff.
- Welsh‑speaking consultant available.
- PAYE and Umbrella payroll options available.
- Dedicated point of contact to support during leave.
- Twice weekly payroll.
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Birthday gifts after one year in service.
- Wellbeing sessions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Relevant Social Work qualification.
- Registration with Social Care Wales or Social Work England.
- Enhanced DBS registration or willingness to apply for DBS.
- Three years of referencing.
- Driving licence with access to a car.
independent Officer - Cardiff Council employer: Hoop Recruitment LTD
Cardiff Council is an excellent employer for independent professionals seeking meaningful freelance opportunities in children's services. With a strong commitment to fairness and transparency, the council fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and continuous improvement. The role offers competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and access to dedicated support, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land independent Officer - Cardiff Council
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace independent Officer - Cardiff Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Hoop Recruitment LTD, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Hoop Recruitment LTD, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Hoop Recruitment LTD understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoop Recruitment LTD
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Hoop Recruitment LTD from the get-go!
