At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our FAST Team to assess needs and support children and families.
- Company: Lincolnshire County Council, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and mentoring less experienced staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for advocating for children.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 42839 £ per year.
We are looking for an Experienced Social Worker to join our FAST Team in Grantham.
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Salary: £39,152 - £42,839 (Pay award pending) + 15% attraction and retention payment paid monthly
Location: Grantham
Closing Date: Sunday 5 July
Are you an experienced Social Worker passionate about advocating for others? Do you believe that “Putting Children First” is the key to successful outcomes for children and families? If you can answer yes to both questions, then Lincolnshire County Council may just be the place you belong.
Our Childrens Social Work teams are amongst the absolute best in the country. We have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted and in our recent inspection in April 2023 we are very proud to have maintained this judgement. Our practice model is Signs of Safety and this is underpinned by a firm commitment to restorative practice, working in a way where the strengths of the family and their network are honoured and families are supported to develop their own solutions. Most importantly, we believe the voice of the child should be at the very heart of every plan.
As a Level 2 Social Worker you will be responsible for assessing social care needs, support planning and reviewing packages of care. You'll use your specialist knowledge and experience to manage a range of more complex cases, leading on these from start to finish meaning children and families have consistency of Social Worker. There will also be the opportunity within the role to mentor less experienced staff and to support and take the lead with students on placement in the teams.
We know that being a Social Worker can be challenging and often emotional, but we also know, from experience that it’s a very rewarding career. This is why you will be surrounded by a supportive, caring and compassionate team. You will receive monthly formal professional and case supervision, and take part in monthly group learning and team meetings with an annual team development day too. Our managers are always on hand, and our practitioners say that the informal, ad hoc supervision they receive, plus the support they get from colleagues to test out their thinking, is absolutely invaluable.
Your continued professional development will be as important to us as it is to you, and your learning and development will remain in focus, not just during your annual appraisal. Our offer of complimentary access to the Research in Practice online platform further demonstrates this. Alongside our excellent in-house training offer, you will also have the opportunity to complete fully funded PQ modules including Practice Educator training which will enable you to fulfil the role of Practice Educator for the social work students on placement.
Along with a competitive salary of £39,152 - £42,839 (Pay award pending) + 7% attraction and retention payment paid monthly we also offer:
- A Contributory pension.
- Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work.
- Flexible working policies.
- Career progression opportunities.
- A generous annual leave entitlement plus the option to buy more.
- A re-location package.
If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role then please contact; Kathrina Barnard by kathrina.barnard@lincolnshire.gov.uk. Applications close on 5 July. A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate.
It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
Experienced Children's Services Social Workers - South Kesteven FAST in Grantham employer: Lincoln
Lincolnshire County Council is an outstanding employer for Experienced Children's Services Social Workers, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment in Grantham. With a strong commitment to professional development, including access to training and mentorship opportunities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The council's flexible working policies, generous leave entitlements, and comprehensive benefits package further enhance the appeal of joining this dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Children's Services Social Workers - South Kesteven FAST in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to social work, especially the Signs of Safety model they use. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role, especially your passion for putting children first.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our talent pool scheme; even if you don’t land this role, there could be other opportunities coming up soon!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Children's Services Social Workers - South Kesteven FAST in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for social work and how you connect with the values of putting children first. Don’t be afraid to share personal experiences that have shaped your approach!
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Make sure your personal statement is tailored to the role. Highlight how your skills and experiences meet the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for our FAST team!
Showcase Your Experience:We’re looking for experienced social workers, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience. Talk about the complex cases you've managed and how you've made a difference in the lives of children and families. Specific examples will make your application stand out!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We often receive more applications than expected, and applying early can help you avoid disappointment if we close the position early. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Signs of Safety practice model and restorative practices. Brush up on your knowledge about the specific challenges faced by children and families in social work, especially in Lincolnshire. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous cases and how you’ve managed complex situations. Be ready to share specific examples where you’ve put children first and made a positive impact. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves mentoring less experienced staff, highlight your collaborative skills. Talk about how you’ve worked with teams in the past and how you can contribute to a supportive environment. Remember, they value a caring and compassionate team dynamic!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team’s dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, and how they implement their values in daily practice. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
