At a Glance
- Tasks: Support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in a residential setting and help them settle in the UK.
- Company: Kent County Council, a leader in social work practice and support for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, training opportunities, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people who need your support and guidance.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
Kent County Council's Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking (UAS) Children's Service provides accommodation and support to newly arrived UAS children in Kent. The Service is developing as a centre of excellence for social work practice nationally and we are seeking passionate individuals to join our service.
Reception Centres, staffing and services KCC provides to UAS children, are fully funded by Central Government. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Service's Reception Centre team. The Reception and Safe Care Services are Kent County Council owned, Ofsted regulated, children's homes and supported accommodation, collectively termed Reception Centres.
The Reception Centres, and the services they provide to children, are run by a diverse team of managers and workers, who are all committed to ensuring children are protected and supported to take the first steps in their journey to a more permanent home elsewhere in the UK.
This role is for both Cypress House. Cypress House is based in Gravesham, Kent and is named after the Mediterranean Cypress Trees of Persian Iran. Cypress House provides supported accommodation for UAS children aged 16-17 years old, with a capacity of up to 36 children. Cypress House is one of Kent's newly established Reception Centres, opening in October 2024. Based in a residential area within the diverse district of Gravesham, Cypress House is well-located for children to be able to access a variety of activities and experiences in the local community.
This Reception Centre is subject to Ofsted regulations for Support Accommodation 2023. We are seeking Reception Centre Workers who have experience of working alongside UAS children and who thrive on direct work and providing support in a residential setting. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and influence the resettlement of children in the UK who have suffered trauma and change.
This role involves managing routines, setting goals for young people, timekeeping and facilitating a learning culture in the centre. This role is important for UAS children during their early stages in the UK. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
This post will be required to work across a rolling shift pattern, with weekly alternating shifts, and regular cover over weekends (4 days on, 2 days off including bank holidays). This role does not meet the Home Office eligibility criteria for sponsorship.
KCC's employment offer for this role includes:
- Full induction
- Training and development opportunities
- Annual leave allowance of 29 days
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Opportunities to develop in your career
- The opportunity to expand and develop your knowledge and skills of working with children seeking asylum
Reception Centre Workers in Gravesend employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception Centre Workers in Gravesend
✨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 Kent County Council.
✨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 Kent County Council!
✨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 Kent County Council, 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 Kent County Council 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 Reception Centre Workers in Gravesend
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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County Council! 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 Kent County Council
✨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.
