At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social workers and engage with families to promote positive change.
- Company: Join Kent, an Outstanding Local Authority committed to social care reforms.
- Benefits: Receive high-quality supervision, peer support, and access to extensive training.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; apply soon as positions may close early.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help families thrive.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 € per year.
We are looking for an innovative and dedicated Social Work Assistant to join our Specialist Children’s Services within the Dartford Children’s Social Work Teams. This is an exciting opportunity to join Kent as an Outstanding Local Authority in the context of the new Social Care Reforms.
As a Social Work Assistant, you will support the statutory role of the social worker by working directly with families to help them make positive changes. Your responsibilities will include:
- Completing direct interventions tailored to the families’ individual needs.
- Conducting direct work with children.
- Assisting Social Workers with various tasks.
- Supervising family time.
Key Responsibilities
- Support social workers to ensure the best outcomes for children.
- Engage in short pieces of change promotion work with families to help them improve and sustain their parenting.
- Conduct guided direct work with children.
- Work with Children in Care, Children in Need, and Children in Need of Protection.
Requirements
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
- Good IT skills and system understanding.
- Ability to observe and record information effectively.
- Understanding of the needs of children, young people, and their families.
- Significant experience working with parents and children in a similar statutory role.
- NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent.
- Ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner.
What We Offer
- High-quality monthly supervision.
- Good support from peers.
- Access to a wide range of training opportunities.
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.
Join us in our mission to achieve better outcomes for children and families and ensure that children are safeguarded. Apply now to become a part of our dedicated team!
Interviews will take place week commencing 15th June 2026. Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility. 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.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Location: The Willows, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, United Kingdom
Social Work Assistant - Dartford Children’s Social Work Teams in Swanley employer: Kent County Council
Join Kent's Outstanding Local Authority as a Social Work Assistant in Dartford, where you will be part of a supportive and innovative team dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives. With access to high-quality supervision and a wealth of training opportunities, you will have the chance to grow professionally while working in a flexible and inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages meaningful contributions to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Dartford Children’s Social Work Teams in Swanley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to social work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Social Work Assistant. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping families! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by children and families.
✨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 and eager to join our team in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant - Dartford Children’s Social Work Teams in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Work Assistant. We want to see how you can support social workers and engage with families effectively!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience working with children and families. We’re looking for someone who understands their needs, so give us examples that demonstrate your ability to make positive changes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, as strong communication is key in this role. We appreciate well-structured applications!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like supporting social workers and conducting direct work with children. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your strong communication and interpersonal skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively engaged with families or children. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role and connect with those you’ll be working with.
✨Understand the Context
Research the current Social Care Reforms and how they impact children's services. Being informed about these changes will allow you to discuss how you can contribute to positive outcomes for children and families, which is crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
