At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to support foster parents and children in need.
- Company: Pioneering independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, car allowance, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's social work and a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
Integrated Services Programme (ISP) is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Social Worker or Senior Social Worker who is enthusiastic, committed and has an appreciation of the role of the foster parent and their skills. We ask our Social Workers to take a collaborative approach with foster parents in order to promote meaningful and relevant supervision of placements.
Experience of working with foster parents as professional colleagues and working within a multi-discipline arena is essential, as is holding a full driving licence and having unrestricted access to your own car.
This is a demanding position which includes both a quality assurance role to maintain high standards and a training role to prospective and current foster parents.
- Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent
- Previous experience of children and families social work
- A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation pertaining to children's services as well as publications
- Full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car
- Direct support of foster parents within a realistic caseload which enables a high level of supervision
- Provide regular supervision to allocated foster parents, enabling and monitoring their practice and ensuring their compliance with regulatory standards
- To work in partnership with children, young people and foster parents and other professionals, local authorities and stakeholders, enabling full participation in assessment, planning, review and decision-making relating to safeguarding and child protection
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by ISP. ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Social Work Team Manager - Children's Social Care in Southampton employer: ISP
At ISP, we pride ourselves on being a leading independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience, dedicated to providing exceptional support to children and foster parents alike. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering generous benefits such as a competitive car allowance, extensive annual leave, and a comprehensive employee discount scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Team Manager - Children's Social Care in Southampton
✨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 ISP.
✨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 ISP!
✨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 ISP, 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 ISP 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 Work Team Manager - Children's Social Care in Southampton
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 ISP:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ISP! 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 ISP
✨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.
