At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in need by assessing and providing timely, effective responses.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with supportive leadership and regular supervision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Registered with Social Work England and experience in social work assessment.
The predicted salary is between 47665 - 47665 £ per year.
Location: Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley. DY5 1 LW
Full time post: 37 hours per week
Open to both Grade 9 and Grade 10 candidates.
Our Front Door is the first point of contact for children and young people who are in need of help and protection. We are transforming our service to ensure that every child receives a timely, proportionate, and effective response — and we are looking for a skilled, passionate social worker with excellent communication, analysis, and decision-making skills to join our team.
As a Social Worker, you will play a key role in our Front Door, working alongside partners from Police, Health, Probation, Change Grow Live, Education, and Early Help to ensure children are safe and supported and get the right support at the right time.
- Screen and assess contacts and referrals, applying thresholds consistently and effectively.
- Provide timely, proportionate decision-making that ensures the child’s voice and lived experience is at the centre.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners as part of a dynamic, fast-paced triage environment.
- Contribute to strategy discussions, safety planning, and risk analysis.
- Ensure high-quality recording and clear rationale for decisions.
- Support continual improvement within a learning, supportive team culture, offering guidance and oversight to Front Door Advisors.
We are seeking practitioners who:
- Enjoy working in a high-energy and fast-paced environment.
- Are registered with Social Work England.
- Have experience of working in a Children’s Front Door or social work assessment team.
- Possess strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound, child-centred decisions.
- Demonstrate confidence in managing risk, applying professional curiosity, and applying thresholds consistently.
- Demonstrate excellent partnership working and communication skills to ensure children get the right support at the earliest opportunity.
- Have a commitment to reflective learning and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced triage setting.
As a valued member of our service, you will benefit from:
- A supportive leadership team.
- Regular reflective supervision.
- A comprehensive training and Continued Professional Development offer.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave and local government pension scheme.
The post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check. Interviews Dates WC 21 September.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Social Worker - Front Door - MASH Team in Brierley Hill employer: Hurst Green
Dudley Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion while empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. With opportunities for professional growth and development within the Homelessness Prevention and Response Team, you will be part of a dedicated group committed to improving the lives of vulnerable adults in Dudley Town Centre. Join us to contribute to innovative prevention strategies and enjoy a fulfilling career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Front Door - MASH Team in Brierley Hill
✨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 Hurst Green.
✨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 Hurst Green!
✨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 Hurst Green, 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 Hurst Green 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 - Front Door - MASH Team in Brierley Hill
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 Hurst Green:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hurst Green! 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 Hurst Green
✨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.