At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Social Workers and manage your own caseload for disabled children aged 0-17.
- Company: Join Kent County Council's award-winning Strengthening Independence Service, known for exceptional support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model with flexible hours and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: This role requires travel across a large area, so flexibility is key.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children's Services is essential; excellent communication skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The Kent and Medway Out of Hours Service has a dedicated permanent team responsible for supporting the arrival of unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children at the Port of Dover. The OOH Kent Intake Unit (KIU) team ensures coverage for all hours starting from 9pm on weekdays and throughout the weekends and bank holidays.
The role requires working weekends (9am‑6pm or 12pm‑9pm). Shift preferences can be discussed during the interview to ensure alignment with the service needs for supporting children and young people.
The Social Work Assistant will support Social Workers to ensure the efficient processing of children through the KIU. A key responsibility is to promptly update systems, record case notes, collate information, and liaise with social workers and other professionals to inform our interventions and support.
Responsibilities
- Support Social Workers in the efficient processing of children through the KIU.
- Update case management systems promptly and record accurate case notes.
- Collate information and liaise with social workers and other professionals.
- Develop strong working relationships with children, young people and other professionals.
- Demonstrate effective communication and IT skills.
Qualifications
- Resilient, flexible, adaptable, and proactive in improving services outside regular working hours.
- Capable of working quickly and efficiently under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in Information Technology, including service‑user case management systems.
- Eager to expand knowledge and skills, especially in working with children.
- Ready for a change from the traditional Monday‑Friday 9‑5 routine.
- Comfortable and capable of managing shift and unsociable hours.
Benefits
- Fixed market premium payment for working unsociable hours (pro‑rata).
- High‑quality supervision and the opportunity to work alongside other team members.
- Enhanced benefits package offered by KCC.
Other Requirements
- Candidate must hold a Full UK Driving Licence, possess a valid driving licence and have access to a car.
- Post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application.
- Requirement for a command of spoken English (and Welsh if applicable) sufficient for effective performance of the role.
- The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants; the driving requirement will still be considered if the applicant has a disability.
EEO Statement
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.
Application Note
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated if a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Social Work Assistant in Ashford employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to supporting the development of its staff within the Strengthening Independence Service. With a strong focus on training and professional growth, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the lives of disabled children and their families. Joining our dynamic team in Ashford means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Strengthening Independence Service and its values. Understanding their approach to supporting disabled children and young people will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Kent County Council, especially those in the Disabled Children's Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience in Children’s Services during your discussions. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported children and families in similar roles, as this will showcase your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to travel across the geographical area covered by the team. Being able to articulate your readiness to adapt to different working environments will show that you are a proactive candidate who can meet the demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Social Work Assistant. Highlight key skills such as interpersonal communication and experience in Children's Services that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with disabled children or in social work settings, and include specific examples of your contributions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting disabled children and young people. Mention your motivation for applying to Kent County Council and how your values align with their commitment to outstanding support.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional, as attention to detail is crucial in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant, especially in the context of supporting disabled children and young people. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job description, such as assessing needs and working collaboratively with other agencies.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in Children's Services. Highlight specific examples where you've demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your ability to work flexibly across different teams and geographical areas.
✨Demonstrate Your Motivation
Express your passion for working with disabled children and their families. Share what motivates you to pursue this role and how you can contribute to the team's mission of delivering high-quality support.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training and development opportunities available, the team dynamics, and how success is measured within the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
