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- Tasks: Support children and carers, providing advice and coordinating therapeutic services.
- Company: Kent's proud Fostering Service focused on safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Training opportunities and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, understanding of trauma, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
In Kent, we are extremely proud of our Fostering Service and, due to new opportunities being created within it, we are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Social Work Assistant to join the Special Guardian and Therapeutic Support Team. Our paramount concern is the safeguarding of children and young people, and this team will offer support to carers holding a Special Guardianship Order and therapeutic support to mainstream foster carers to ensure that children's needs continue to be met to reach their individual potential. To achieve this, we provide advice, information and supervision to guardians and assist with applications to access the Adoption Support Fund, giving additional therapeutic support to children in their care. The team also offers a therapeutic service to foster carers via our in-house Senior Therapists for children with a wide range of complex needs who, along with their carers, may require extra support.
Responsibilities
- Providing advice, information and supervision to guardians
- Assisting with applications to access the Adoption Support Fund
- Co-ordinating therapeutic services with senior therapists
- Drawing on community resources to support carers, children and young people, especially regarding resilience and trauma impacts
The post is considered customer-facing; therefore effective communication, both oral and written, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.
Qualifications
- Experience working with children and an understanding of how trauma can impact development and behaviour
- Knowledge of resilience and the ability to support carers, children and young people through community resources
- Organisational skills and the ability to establish and maintain clear communication around work and outcomes
- Computer literacy
- Ability to work effectively on one’s own initiative as well as within a team
- A sensitive and empathetic response to children, young people and their carers
- A strong awareness of safeguarding and equal opportunities issues
Benefits
The role offers plenty of opportunities to undertake training while working in partnership with carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and other agencies, including the voluntary sector.
Legal and Equality
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure post holders have a command of spoken English 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.
Social Work Assistant - Special Guardian Support and Therapeutic Fostering Team in Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Special Guardian Support and Therapeutic Fostering Team in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work field, especially those connected to fostering and therapeutic support. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of trauma and resilience. Be ready to discuss how you can support children and carers effectively. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or casual chats with friends, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. This is key for a customer-facing role like this one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant - Special Guardian Support and Therapeutic Fostering Team in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and understanding of trauma. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, ensure your written application reflects clarity and professionalism. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts well – we love a good, easy-to-read application!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks effectively. In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve successfully managed your time or coordinated activities, especially in a team setting.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Social Work Assistant, especially in relation to Special Guardianship and therapeutic fostering. Brush up on key concepts like trauma impacts and resilience, as well as the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work with children or in similar roles that highlight your understanding of trauma and your ability to support carers. Be ready to discuss how you've communicated effectively in challenging situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Since this role involves working closely with vulnerable children and their carers, it's important to convey your sensitivity and empathy during the interview. Share stories that illustrate your compassionate approach and how you’ve supported others through difficult times.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they measure success in supporting children and carers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.