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- Tasks: Support looked after children and families, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Bexley, recognised for outstanding children's social care services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and well-being initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in spoken English and an Enhanced DBS check required.
- Other info: Rolling advert; early applications encouraged. Secondment opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Social Worker (Looked After Children) role at London Borough of Bexley. The Council, its staff, and partners were delighted in March 2023 when Ofsted judged the overall effectiveness of children’s social care services to be ‘Outstanding’ for the second time since 2018. We are proud that our investment in frontline practitioners and managers has been recognized, and we have been working to create an environment where social workers can effectively support families and ensure children's safety.
Bexley offers a strong learning and development program, with Ofsted noting “A well-trained workforce is improving the lives of children and families” in 2023. We provide strong management oversight, a well-embedded practice framework, clear career pathways, a talent management scheme, and a supportive environment for social work practice. We emphasize relationship-based practice and use ‘Signs of Safety’ as a key approach.
Our established family engagement groups, FL.A.RE and various children in care forums, support practice development and delivery, providing frontline practitioners opportunities to learn from children, young people, and families. We believe in the growth and development of our staff at all career stages, offering extensive training, research access, coaching, supervision, and opportunities to contribute to learning and training delivery. We invest in our staff because their growth benefits the children, young people, and families we serve.
Staff well-being is a priority, with access to weekly well-being sessions, Employee Assistance Programmes, and emotional and physical well-being initiatives. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team of social work professionals, please review the full Person Specification in the attached Job Description. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the role requires proficiency in spoken English as per legal requirements.
Bexley is a diverse borough with excellent transport links, amenities, and educational institutions. We offer a competitive salary, pension scheme, and generous leave. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This role may be available as a secondment opportunity for current employees. The advert is rolling, so early application is encouraged.
Social Worker (Looked After Children) employer: London Borough of Bexley
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Bexley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Looked After Children)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 'Signs of Safety' approach, as it's a key practice framework used by Bexley. Understanding this model will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to their methods.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or forums related to looked after children. This will give you insights into the challenges faced by these families and show your dedication to understanding their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any previous experience you have in relationship-based practice during your discussions. Bexley values strong relationships, so showcasing your skills in building rapport with children and families will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of networking opportunities within social work circles. Connecting with current or former employees of Bexley can provide you with valuable insights and potentially helpful referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Looked After Children)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker (Looked After Children) position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children and families, particularly in a looked after children context. Use specific examples to demonstrate your relationship-based practice and familiarity with frameworks like 'Signs of Safety'.
Showcase Your Commitment to Development: Mention your commitment to professional growth and development. Discuss any training, coaching, or supervision you have received, and how it has prepared you for this role. This aligns with Bexley's emphasis on staff development.
Prepare for the DBS Check: Since the role requires an Enhanced DBS check, ensure you are aware of the process and have all necessary documentation ready. Mention your understanding of safeguarding practices in your application to show your commitment to child welfare.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specific duties of a Social Worker for Looked After Children. Familiarise yourself with the 'Signs of Safety' approach and how it applies to practice, as this will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in social work, particularly those that relate to children and families. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully supported families or managed challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Based Practice
Since Bexley values relationship-based practice, be prepared to talk about how you build rapport with children and families. Share specific strategies you use to engage with clients and how you ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and support systems in place for social workers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the environment aligns with your professional values.
