At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in foster care, promoting their wellbeing and independence through engaging activities.
- Company: Independent fostering service dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, supportive environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in social care and a passion for helping young people.
Location: London
Salary: £36,000–£37,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Young People
Are you a passionate and dedicated Social Worker looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people? We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Placement and Youth Engagement Social Worker to join an independent fostering service. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people living in foster care. You will play a key role in supporting placement stability, promoting emotional wellbeing and helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Working closely with foster carers, social workers, local authorities and other professionals, you will provide direct support, guidance and positive interventions to children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Placement Support and Stability
- Provide direct support to children and young people living in foster care.
- Undertake regular placement support visits and identify emerging needs.
- Support placement stability through early intervention and appropriate support.
- Build positive relationships with children, young people and foster families.
- Work alongside Supervising Social Workers to address placement challenges.
- Contribute to placement planning and review meetings.
- Youth Engagement and Direct Work
- Deliver one-to-one support sessions and direct work with children and young people.
- Organise activities, workshops and group engagement sessions.
- Encourage participation in education, training and positive social activities.
- Promote independence, confidence, resilience and practical life skills.
- Ensure young people's wishes and feelings are heard and represented.
- Support access to appropriate community services and resources.
- Safeguarding and Partnership Working
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
- Identify, record and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with local authorities, schools and other professionals.
- Attend meetings, reviews and professional discussions.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records.
- Prepare reports and contribute to care planning where required.
- Service Development
- Contribute to the development of placement support and youth engagement services.
- Share ideas and good practice to improve outcomes.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings and ongoing professional development.
Essential Requirements
- A recognised Social Work qualification (BA/MA in Social Work or equivalent).
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working with children, young people and families within a social care setting.
- A sound understanding of safeguarding, child protection and the needs of looked-after children.
- Strong communication, assessment and report-writing skills.
- The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- A flexible, proactive and child-centred approach.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
- The right to work in the UK.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience within fostering, residential childcare, children in care or leaving-care services.
- Experience supporting young people with complex or challenging needs.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed and attachment-based practice.
- Experience delivering direct work, group activities or youth engagement programmes.
- Understanding of placement stability and the challenges faced by children in foster care.
The Ideal Candidate
- Compassionate, approachable and committed to making a difference.
- Confident and engaging when working with children and young people.
- Resilient and able to manage challenging situations.
- Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
- Passionate about safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £36,000–£37,000, depending on experience.
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Regular supervision and ongoing professional support.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in children's lives.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and confirmation of current Social Work England registration. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and professional practice.
How to Apply
If you are a qualified Social Worker who is passionate about supporting children and young people, promoting placement stability and helping young people reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
Placement & Youth Engagement Social Worker 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 Placement & Youth Engagement Social Worker
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Get hands-on experience by volunteering with local charities or organisations in your area. This not only helps you build practical skills but also gets you noticed by potential placements like those at Howard Finley. Plus, they often have insider info on who’s hiring!
✨Join Student and Professional Networks
Tap into student networks and professional bodies related to social work. Attend events or workshops they organise, as this is a great way to meet people in the field and make valuable connections that could lead to placements at places like Howard Finley.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Start a blog or a social media page dedicated to social work topics. Share your thoughts on relevant issues or spotlight local projects you're involved in. This helps build your visibility and shows that you’re passionate, which placement providers like Howard Finley will definitely notice!
✨Stay Ahead with Applications
Many social work placements have specific application windows, so keep an eye on these and prepare early. Use university career services to refine your approach and research organisations like Howard Finley that align with your values and aspirations!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement & Youth Engagement Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, empathy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heart of the profession! Use your cover letter to highlight specific experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Whether it's through volunteer work, previous placements, or even personal experiences, make sure Howard Finley sees your human side.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on your relevant experiences in social work or related fields. Include any placements, volunteering, or coursework that showcase your understanding of social issues. Don’t forget to mention any specific training or certifications you've acquired – it’s these details that’ll catch Howard Finley's attention!
Express Your Passion for Learning:Since this is a placement, show us how eager you are to learn and grow in the field of social work. In your cover letter, talk about why you chose social work as a career. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to developing your skills on the job.
Include Real-World Examples:When discussing your skills and experiences, try to include concrete examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Whether it’s a group project from your studies, a case study you’ve worked on, or even life experiences, make those details shine in your application to show how you'd fit into the Howard Finley team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howard Finley
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
When it comes to social work placements, it's all about demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation for joining this field. We want to see that you've got that genuine passion and empathy that makes a great social worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities and ethical judgement. They might ask how you’d handle a challenging client or navigate a sensitive situation, so think through your responses and be ready to show how you can apply your knowledge in real-life contexts. It’s a good idea to review common case studies in social work to get into the right mindset.
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the key social work theories and frameworks that underpin practice. Being able to reference these during your interview can really impress your interviewers at Howard Finley. We suggest relating them to your own understanding of situations, showing you're ready to apply theory to practice.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a placement, your potential for growth is just as important as your current skills. Make sure to express your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals and your openness to feedback. Discuss how you plan to develop during your time at Howard Finley and how that aligns with your career goals in social work.
