At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in care as they transition to independence, providing guidance and advocacy.
- Company: Join Bexley's vibrant Leaving Care Service, dedicated to empowering youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them achieve their aspirations.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience with young people in care.
The predicted salary is between 35360 - 44500 £ per year.
We are currently seeking passionate individuals to join our Leaving Care Service. As a Social Worker in the service, you will provide a high quality and effective service for young people in our care as they transition to independence. Your responsibilities will include conducting assessments, developing care plans, providing guidance and support, and advocating for the needs and rights of young people in our care.
As part of our commitment to supporting young people transitioning from care to independent living, we are looking for an individual who can make a positive impact and empower young people to achieve their full potential. If you have experience working with young people in care or young adults leaving our care and have a strong desire to make a difference in their lives, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position.
As a Social Worker in our Leaving Care service, you will play a key role in providing practical and emotional support to young people in our care aged 16 and 17, helping them to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to live independently and achieve their aspirations. This role is a case holding role; you will be supporting 16 & 17-year old young people in our care managing statutory duties, supporting young people by ensuring comprehensive and person-centred pathways plans are developed prior to them leaving our care and transferring to a Personal Advisor within the service.
Please note that the successful candidate will be required to be office based at least 3 days a week.
Candidate Profile:
- Social Work qualification
- Social Work England registration
- Experience in safeguarding, working with young people in care and leaving care services.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to leaving care and young people in care services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive support and guidance to young people in our care as they develop their independence skills and prepare to leave our care ensuring their needs are met and they receive appropriate services and resources.
- Undertake assessments, develop personalised pathway plans, and facilitate access to education, training, employment, accommodation, health, and other support services.
- Promote the participation and voice of young people in our care and young adults leaving our care, ensuring their views and aspirations are heard and considered in decision‑making processes.
- Liaise and collaborate with external agencies, including housing providers, education institutions, health services, and community organisations, to coordinate a holistic support network for young people in our care and young adults leaving our care.
- Conduct regular visits, reviews, and statutory visits to monitor progress, assess risks, and identify any additional support needs.
- Advocate for the rights and well‑being of young people in our care and young adults leaving our care, ensuring their involvement in decision‑making processes, and empowering them to take ownership of their futures.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date case records, reports, and documentation in accordance with professional standards and statutory requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues within the Leaving Care Service and other professionals to provide a cohesive and effective service to young people in our care and young adults leaving our care.
- Stay updated with relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in the field of leaving care and social work and apply them to practice.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Social Worker - Transitions and Leaving Care Service in Bexleyheath employer: London Borough of Bexley
Bexley is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development through coaching and mentoring programmes. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, we provide a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous annual leave, ensuring our Family Hub Practitioners can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Transitions and Leaving Care Service in Bexleyheath
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at London Borough of Bexley.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from London Borough of Bexley!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like London Borough of Bexley, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at London Borough of Bexley or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Transitions and Leaving Care Service in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Bexley:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Bexley! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
