At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments to support families and friends in becoming kinship carers.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible support for applicants with disabilities and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant social work qualification and experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role within the Kinship Assessment Team. Main duty is to undertake viability assessments of family and friends to become kinship carers. Fixed-term contract for 3 years. Requires office-based attendance at least 3 days a week.
Candidate Profile
- Experience working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners and families, especially within diverse communities.
- Experience writing complex and sensitive reports, case notes, and court statements.
- Experience managing own cases and workload in an organised manner.
- Proficient in English, speaking, writing, and reading, with confidence, accuracy, and appropriate vocabulary.
- Experience formulating professional analysis from holistic assessments and creating clear plans with families and professionals to improve safety and wellbeing of children.
- Experience working in a statutory child protection role (e.g., child in need, child protection, children with disabilities, children looked after).
- Possess a relevant social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, or degree in social work).
- Registered with the professional regulator for social work (Social Work England).
Benefits
Competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme, generous annual leave plus bank holidays. Additional benefits details are in the attached Candidate Information document.
Recruitment Information
We invite applications from all qualified applicants. As a disability confident employer, we welcome people with all disabilities and provide reasonable adjustments upon request. If you need any assistance, contact recruitment@bexley.gov.uk. Our recruiting manager will be available for informal discussions; contact Kristina Tucker, Team Manager, 0203 045 4763, kristina.tucker@bexley.gov.uk.
All staff and volunteers must safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Application Process
Application outcome will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full selection criteria are detailed in the attached Person Specification.
Social Worker - Viability Assessor employer: London Borough of Bexley
As a leading employer in the social work sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including coaching and mentoring programmes, ensure that our staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families within our diverse community. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, we offer a rewarding environment for dedicated professionals seeking to advance their careers in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Viability Assessor
✨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 London Borough of Bexley, 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 Social Worker - Viability Assessor
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 London Borough of Bexley. 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 London Borough of Bexley. 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 London Borough of Bexley
✨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 London Borough of Bexley.
✨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 Social Worker - Viability Assessor role at London Borough of Bexley, 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 London Borough of Bexley that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
