At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to support children and families through assessments and interventions.
- Company: Croydon Council is dedicated to improving lives in our diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team focused on positive change and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England, with relevant experience.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and promote anti-racist practices in our work.
The predicted salary is between 45510 - 53607 £ per year.
Social Worker / Advanced Social Worker – Family Assessment Service – Children – Croydon Council
Salary: Grade 11-14 (£45,510 – £53,607)
Permanent – 36 hours per week
Welcome Payment – £10,000
Retention Payment – £2,500
Hybrid working
Job Purpose
We expect children and families in Croydon to receive outstanding services from our social work staff. We want our staff to have high expectations and high challenge of their practice and each other. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. To meet the changing needs of our children and families we have invested in creating the conditions for social work to flourish. We have a number of exciting opportunities for Social Workers to join our Croydon. The Family Assessment Service receives cases from our Front Door (MASH). Social Workers carry out Child and Family Assessments, create family plans and where appropriate work with families to support the intervention of agreed plans (brief intervention). Social Workers carry out S47 Child Protection Enquiries, work with a range of partner agencies to ensure children and young people are supported and safeguarded. Croydon has five teams within the Family Assessment Service based in our modern offices in Croydon, come and join us. We are committed to improving the lives of children and young people and their families across the Borough. We offer great office accommodation and facilities in the centre of Croydon with excellent public transport links.
Essential Requirements
We are looking for confident Qualified social workers, that are Social Work England Registered and that have completed their ASYE and who can demonstrate their skills, resilience and experience in:
Making relationships to create change
Identifying and working with our families’ strengths.
Managing complex cases
Working with families and children to produce Child and Family assessments
Working directly with children, young people and their families evidencing multi-agency partnerships with a robust understanding of thresholds of need.
Strong interpersonal skills to engage with families and referrers from all partner agencies.
Excellent analytical and writing skills and the ability to incorporate our systemic practice model which builds on families’ strengths with a focus on protective factors.
Effective time management skills to deliver within expected timeframes.
Why Join Us
In Croydon, our Children’s Services has an established Systemic Practice model, experienced leaders, and high support for practitioners. Croydon people and staff are diverse, and we celebrate difference through focus on anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. We are committed to delivering excellent social work practice and services to our children and families. As well as this we also offer the following: Our teams consist of experienced Social Workers at various levels
Join a highly diverse workforce
Reflective supervision is actively promoted and supported.
The ethos at Croydon is very much about working together to make positive change
Caseloads of Social Workers are very manageable enabling managers to know children well & ensure high standards of practice
You will join an established team who can help you settle in and offer their expertise
Benefits
You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:
Highly competitive compensation package
Accredited Systemic Practice training
A range of CPD opportunities
29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
Management development programmes
Investment into your wellbeing
Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)
We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance.
To view the Social Worker Grade 11-12 role profile click here
To view the Social Worker Grade 14 role profile, click here
Closing date: 29 December
Disclaimer
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.
Social Worker / Advanced Social Worker - Family Assessment Service - Children employer: London Borough of Croydon
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Croydon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker / Advanced Social Worker - Family Assessment Service - Children
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Systemic Practice model that Croydon Council uses. Understanding this approach will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values and practices during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing complex cases and working collaboratively with multi-agency partners. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase your skills in these areas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strong interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've successfully engaged with families and referrers in previous roles. This will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to build relationships that create change.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Croydon Council's commitment to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. Being able to speak to these values and how they resonate with your own practice will set you apart as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker / Advanced Social Worker - Family Assessment Service - Children
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Social Worker in the Family Assessment Service. Familiarize yourself with the job description and the specific skills required.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience in child and family assessments, managing complex cases, and working with multi-agency partnerships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and resilience.
Showcase Analytical and Writing Skills: Given the importance of analytical and writing skills for this role, include examples of reports or assessments you have completed. Highlight your ability to incorporate systemic practice models and focus on protective factors.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and ethos of Croydon Council. Mention your commitment to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices, as well as your enthusiasm for working collaboratively to make positive changes.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Croydon
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
During the interview, emphasize your ability to build strong relationships with families and children. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with families to create positive change.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
Be prepared to discuss your analytical skills and how you approach Child and Family assessments. Highlight your experience in managing complex cases and working collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Systemic Practice
Familiarize yourself with Croydon's established Systemic Practice model. Be ready to explain how you incorporate this model into your work, focusing on building on families' strengths and protective factors.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and time management skills. Think of examples where you've effectively managed your caseload and delivered within expected timeframes.