At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Deaf individuals to achieve independence and assess their needs within the community.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovative social care in Lancashire.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Deaf community while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with registration; BSL skills are a plus but not mandatory.
- Other info: Diversity is embraced, with support networks for various communities within the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 29200 - 31600 £ per year.
A Social Worker with the drive to make a difference, finding creative ways to support Deaf people to achieve their goals and live as independently as possible in their homes and our community. This is a countywide role, working across Lancashire as part of our Adult Services Sensory Team.
Living Better Lives in Lancashire
This is a hugely exciting time for us. We’ve launched Living Better Lives in Lancashire – our new strength-based vision for social care. We’re driving forward innovative practices that will make a difference to our communities, and we need a Social Worker to help us achieve our vision of supporting Deaf people to live independently in a place they call home.
Role Overview
As part of the Sensory Team you will work primarily with the Deaf Community, undertaking and reviewing assessments of need, risk, and capacity, sourcing and commissioning support, and supporting discharge planning.
You will be a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration and ideally have a British Sign Language qualification, however, candidates without this but who can demonstrate work within and knowledge of the Deaf community will be considered.
Development Opportunities
We offer excellent development opportunities and support progression, including Approved Mental Health Professional Training.
Our Values
What’s important to us is that you share our values:
- Supportive and Innovative: You’ll need a blend of supportive and innovative thinking, coming up with fresh ideas to achieve the best outcomes for people.
- Empathy: You’ll need compassion and empathy to support people, listening to what they need, while ensuring they feel valued and respected.
Reasons to Join Us…
- Great Annual Leave: Up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season. You can also purchase additional leave.
- Flexible Working Opportunities
- Financial Benefits: Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution. Relocation reimbursement package to support those who need to move to the area.
- Training and Development: Excellent induction through our Social Care Academy and ongoing support for your career and professional development.
- Health and Wellbeing: Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family.
- Staff Discounts: Access to dozens of discounts through Vivup, our employee benefits partner, covering car lease schemes, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more.
We embrace diversity and have a range of support groups and networks for staff, including the Forum of Asian Black and Ethnic Employees (FABEE), the Disabled Workers Forum, and the LGBTQ+ Employee Network.
To Apply
If you would like to contact us for an initial, informal and confidential chat, please call or send a WhatsApp message (text or video) to: James Tween, Sensory Impairment Team Manager on 07733 303244 (james.tween@lancashire.gov.uk)
Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role, this can also be done via video in BSL by emailing gareth.johnstone@lancashire.gov.uk. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for an interview without this evidence.
Shortlisting will take place on week commencing 26th May and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 9th June. We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Social work applicants must be registered with Social Work England (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker or have applied to register with SWE.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and you must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
Social Worker - Deaf Community employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Deaf Community
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Deaf community and their specific needs. Understanding their culture and communication styles will not only help you connect better during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting them effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in the field of social work for the Deaf community. Attend relevant workshops or events, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas on how to support Deaf individuals in achieving independence. Think about creative solutions that align with the 'Living Better Lives in Lancashire' vision, as this will show your alignment with the organisation's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have British Sign Language skills, be ready to showcase them during the interview. If not, consider learning some basic signs to demonstrate your willingness to engage with the community and enhance your communication skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Deaf Community
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position within the Deaf Community. Make sure you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences meet the criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your capabilities, especially in relation to working with the Deaf community.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your qualifications, particularly your registration with Social Work England and any relevant certifications, such as British Sign Language. If you lack BSL but have experience with the Deaf community, make that clear.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure to upload your supporting statement and any other required documents. If you're submitting a video in BSL, ensure it is clear and concise, demonstrating your understanding of the role and your passion for supporting the Deaf community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Deaf Community
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with the Deaf community. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have that demonstrate your commitment to supporting Deaf individuals and helping them achieve independence.
✨Highlight Your Empathy and Supportive Nature
During the interview, emphasise your ability to listen and understand the needs of others. Provide examples of how you've shown compassion in previous roles, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. Prepare scenarios where you successfully supported someone in need, particularly within the context of social work and the Deaf community.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of BSL
If you have a British Sign Language qualification, be sure to mention it. If not, discuss any relevant experience you have with BSL or your understanding of the Deaf culture. This shows your willingness to engage and communicate effectively with the community.