At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide support and advice to individuals accessing Direct Payments, including home visits.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, a leader in health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English, plus NVQ/Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 30024 - 33699 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Support Worker within the Direct Payments team to provide advice and support to people accessing Direct Payments. This includes undertaking, where required, home visits to explain the set-up process and providing ongoing support and signposting to information in relation to employment. You will be working collaboratively across partner agencies, contributing to multi-disciplinary team meetings and approaches.
We’re looking for someone with excellent communication skills who is able to work collaboratively with multiple agencies across Durham County Council Children’s and Adult services, including personal health budgets on behalf of Health care teams. You will be required to have strong digital skills and the ability to use multiple IT systems, and manage a case load effectively. This is a temporary position until approximately 31st March 2027.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
The role is varied and requires an enhanced DBS. On the job training will be provided. You will assist with the initial set up and provide ongoing support to existing recipients, including holding a case load. You will work across both children and adult services, including using different case management systems. You will also provide guidance to staff on legislation and requirements for Direct Payments.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
This is a busy and varied job role which requires a person who can deal with service users, providers and professionals effectively.
- Required Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English Language (9-4/A-C grades) or equivalent relevant qualification.
- NVQ/Apprenticeship level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our commitment to safeguarding: Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought, inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 17th August. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
Competitive rewards package that includes:
- Attractive salaries
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service)
- Membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
- A range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Support Worker in Spennymoor employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Spennymoor
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Kirklees Metropolitan Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Spennymoor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Kirklees Metropolitan Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Worker role at Kirklees Metropolitan Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Kirklees Metropolitan Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
