At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with disabilities, building meaningful relationships and coordinating care.
- Company: Join a well-established children's social care service in Chatham, Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with strong management and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 43425 - 43425 £ per year.
Location: Chatham, Kent
Salary: £39,823 – £43,425 per annum, with potential to earn up to £50,425 including market premiums and retention payments
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in the office
Are you a qualified Social Worker looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families? We are currently recruiting Social Workers to join a Children and Young People Disability Team working with children and young people aged 0–18. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established children's social care service that is committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. You will be supported to develop your skills and progress throughout your career, with strong management support, practice development opportunities and a commitment to ensuring practitioners feel valued and supported.
The Role
As a Social Worker within the Children and Young People Disability Team, you will work directly with children and young people with disabilities and their families, building meaningful relationships and ensuring their needs, wishes and wellbeing remain central to your practice. Your responsibilities will include:
- Working directly with children and young people with disabilities and developing meaningful, trusting relationships.
- Undertaking assessments of children's and young people's needs.
- Developing and reviewing effective care and support plans.
- Coordinating care packages in partnership with health, education and social care professionals.
- Working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
- Supporting children, young people and families through the Preparation for Adulthood pathway.
- Undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments where appropriate.
- Contributing to work relating to Court of Protection Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (CoP DoLS).
- Promoting safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people at all times.
- Working within relevant legislation, policies and professional standards.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and committed Social Worker who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. You will need:
- A recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Degree in Social Work, PGCert/PGDip in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Successful completion of your ASYE.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes, including business use and transporting passengers where required.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.
- Excellent assessment, communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to work effectively with children, families and multidisciplinary professionals.
Salary & Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary of £39,823 – £43,425 per annum, depending on experience. There is also potential to earn up to £50,425 per year through applicable market premiums and retention payments. Benefits include:
- £5,000 market allowance per annum, payable in 12 equal instalments.
- £2,000 annual retention payment, payable following one year's service.
- Up to 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Essential car user allowance.
- Option to apply for a lease car after six months.
- Free car parking.
- Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 office-based days per week.
- Assessment teams are office-based during duty weeks.
- Relocation package of up to £8,000.
- Staff discounts and savings.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Professional development and ongoing support.
- Access to specialist social care resources and professional development materials.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Social Worker to join a supportive children's disability service where you can make a genuine difference to children, young people and their families. You will have access to ongoing professional development, supportive management and opportunities to develop your social work career within a well-established service. If you are passionate about working with children and young people with disabilities and are looking for a permanent opportunity in Kent, we would love to hear from you.
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Children's DBS check. Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential criteria for appointment to the role. Please note: This is an anonymous recruitment advert. Further information regarding the employer and service will be provided to shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process. Apply now to be considered for this opportunity.
Social Worker - Children & Young People Disability Team in Chatham employer: Howard Finley
Howard Finley offers an exceptional work environment for a Dental Receptionist in New Malden, where you will be part of a modern private practice that prioritises patient care and team collaboration. With a friendly atmosphere, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to employee well-being, this role provides a rewarding experience in a supportive setting. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule from Monday to Friday.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children & Young People Disability Team in Chatham
✨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 Howard Finley.
✨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 Howard Finley!
✨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 Howard Finley, 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 Howard Finley 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 - Children & Young People Disability Team in Chatham
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 Howard Finley:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Howard Finley! 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 Howard Finley
✨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.
