At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, delivering high-quality interventions and leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Hackney Council, a progressive local authority in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and strong support programmes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative practices and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting equity and anti-racism.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, registration, and experience with adolescents required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years we have built first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure and a reputation for excellence, innovation and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney, with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti‑racist borough. We also work to bring fairness across gender, neurodiversity and the poverty divide.
A new 2‑year fixed‑term role has opened for a Senior Social Worker in our extra‑familial harm (EFH) team. The EFH team is a specialist multidisciplinary group that works intensively with children most at risk of harm outside the home. We are developing trauma‑informed approaches and tackling unequal treatment of children, whilst keeping them and the public safe by mitigating potential harms.
Responsibilities- Deliver high‑quality interventions with children and families, supporting them to develop agency and critical thinking skills.
- Provide supervision to two Youth Support & Development Workers.
- Support the Team Manager in the leadership and development of social workers and practice.
- Respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of children, always adhering to statutory guidelines and ‘Child First’ principles.
- Apply a rigorous focus on mitigating potential harms and model a systemic, trauma‑informed, anti‑racist and restorative practice model (STAR‑R).
- Collaborate with youth justice colleagues in a multi‑agency context, reporting to the Service Manager for Youth Justice.
- Contribute to organisational learning by developing innovative and impactful practice and recognising best practice.
- Maintain a clear focus on positive outcomes for children and families.
- You must hold a Social Work England recognised social work qualification or equivalent, be registered with Social Work England and have evidence of continuing professional development.
- An enhanced DBS check is required.
- Experience working with adolescents and those at the periphery of crime is essential.
- Hybrid working and integral mobile phone and home computer.
- Coaching and mentoring opportunities.
- Competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlements including Bank Holidays.
- Strong Employee Assistance Programme providing support around racialised trauma.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We also recognize that people can be disadvantaged by social and economic circumstances, so we work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome applications from disabled people and all those interested in flexible working.
Senior Social Worker – Children & Families Services employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises equity and innovation in social services. As a Senior Social Worker in the heart of London, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our diverse community. Join us in our commitment to anti-racism and trauma-informed practices, where your contributions will help shape a safer and fairer borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker – Children & Families Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into Hackney's EFH team. A friendly chat can open doors and give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles. Highlight your trauma-informed approaches and commitment to anti-racist practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Hackney Council or similar organisations to express your interest in their work. Sometimes, a simple email can lead to unexpected opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to support children and families in Hackney.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker – Children & Families Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight relevant experience, especially with adolescents and those at risk. We love seeing how your skills align with our values and the specific needs of the EFH team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so go ahead and get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of trauma-informed care and anti-racist practices. Familiarise yourself with Hackney's values and how they align with your own approach to social work, especially when it comes to working with children and families.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to support adolescents and mitigate risks. Highlight any innovative practices you've implemented or contributed to, especially in multi-agency settings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face, and how they measure success in their interventions. This shows you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with other professionals, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share how you’ve effectively worked with colleagues from different disciplines to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
