At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled children and young people by assessing their needs and managing your own caseload.
- Company: Join Kent County Council's dynamic Disabled Children's Team West 1.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, extensive training, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of disabled young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children's Services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 26000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a full-time Social Work Assistant in the Disabled Children's Team West 1 within the Strengthening Independence Service. This is an exciting time to join a growing and dynamic team as we build and consolidate good practice in this area of social work.
You will be involved in assessing the needs of disabled children and young people aged between 0 and 17. Our team consists of Social Workers, Senior Practitioners and Social Work Assistants and you will be required to support the role of the Social Workers within the team and also to have an allocated caseload yourself.
You will be required to work closely with our colleagues in the Disabled Young People's Social Work teams and other key agencies such as Health, Education and the voluntary sector. As a relatively new service there is an extensive training and development programme in place and you will be provided with support and opportunities to further develop your own knowledge and skills with regular supervision.
You will be highly motivated and demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deliver the highest quality service to young people with disabilities, their families and carers. Experience in Children's Services would be essential.
Kent County Council offers a hybrid working model with a combination of home and office working. The contractual base is in Montague House, Tunbridge Wells. The team covers a large geographical area and there would be an expectation that you are able to work flexibly across the whole area covered by the team.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. 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 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 - Strengthening Independence Service in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Work Assistants in the Disabled Children's Team. With a strong focus on professional development through extensive training programmes and regular supervision, employees are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of disabled children and their families. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance in the picturesque setting of Tunbridge Wells.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Strengthening Independence Service in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨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 Social Work Assistant - Strengthening Independence Service in Royal Tunbridge Wells
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.
