At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities, build relationships, and advocate for their needs.
- Company: Join Hillingdon's Outstanding Children With Disabilities Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Outstanding Ofsted rating and supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families every day.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience with children with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 54444 - 54444 £ per year.
- Join Hillingdon's Outstanding Children With Disabilities Team
- Why Social Workers Choose Hillingdon
If you're passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with disabilities and want to work somewhere you can truly make a difference, Hillingdon is the place for you.
Following our recent
Ofsted Outstanding judgement , we continue to invest in our workforce, creating the conditions for social workers to thrive.
We know great social work happens when practitioners have the time, support and stability to focus on children and families.
That’s why we offer
- Ambitious, dynamic and welcoming teams where you will be supported in your practice and professional growth
- Salary up to
- Plus additional annual
- £2,250 Retention Payment
- SWE registration fee paid
- Accessible location, 5 minute walk to Met Line and Piccadilly, close to M40, Free parking
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- TOIL provided
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- Manageable caseloads
- 100% permanent and experienced Senior Leadership Team
- Visible, accessible and supportive managers and senior leaders
- Regular reflective supervision and clinical consultation
- Excellent learning, development and career progression opportunities
- A relationship-based and trauma-informed practice model
- Modern working environments
- Up to 34 days annual leave rising to 37 days after long service, plus bank holidays
- About Our Children With Disabilities Team
Our Children with Disabilities Team is dedicated to supporting children and young people with complex needs, disabilities and additional vulnerabilities to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We work alongside families, schools, health professionals and partner agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time while remaining at the centre of all decision-making.
Our practitioners build strong relationships with children and families, helping them navigate challenges, access services and develop greater resilience and independence.
Our approach is simple: Build Relationships. Champion Inclusion. Improve Lives.
Through strengths-based and trauma-informed practice, we work with families to promote safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
The Role
- As a Social Worker within the Children with Disabilities Team, you will:
- Build meaningful and trusting relationships with children, young people and their families.
- Help children grow, learn, and achieve their potential so they can look forward to a positive future.
- Undertake high-quality assessments that recognise the unique strengths, needs and aspirations of children with disabilities.
- Develop and implement effective Family Help plans, Child Protection and Care Plans where required.
- Lead interventions that improve safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with Education, Health and Care professionals to deliver coordinated support.
- Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voice influences planning and decision-making.
- Support children through periods of transition, including preparation for adulthood.
- Undertake capacity assessments and DOLS applications.
- Manage complex safeguarding concerns and promote positive risk management.
- Complete high-quality recording, assessments, court reports and care planning documentation.
- Contribute to our vision of delivering outstanding services for children with disabilities and their families.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for social workers who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
- You will have
- A recognised Social Work qualification (BA, MA or equivalent).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities.
- What You'll Receive
- Social Worker (POA) - £42,771 - £46,968
- Senior Social Worker (POB) - £48,003 - £52,194
- Plus
- £2,250 Retention Payment
(applicable to both Social Worker and Senior Social Worker grades).
- Potential package value up to £54,444 per annum.
- Salary placement will be determined based on qualifications, skills and experience.
Why Hillingdon?
At Hillingdon, we are proud of what we've achieved
- Outstanding Ofsted judgement
- Stable and experienced permanent leadership team
- Strong culture of support and collaboration
- Established transitions and tri-partite panel arrangements with multi-agency colleagues
- Commitment to workforce wellbeing
- Investment in professional development
- Clear career progression pathways
- Manageable caseloads and supportive management oversight
- A strong commitment to inclusion and supporting children with additional needs
- An ambitious vision for children, young people and families
Our social workers tell us that what makes Hillingdon different is the combination of supportive leadership, collaborative working and the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families every day.
Make Your Next Career Move Count
If you're looking for an Outstanding local authority where your practice is valued, your development is supported and your impact is recognised, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Hillingdon's Children with Disabilities Team and help transform the lives of children, young people and families every day.
Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to be safe, happy, healthy and achieve their full potential.
About You
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us.
We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation.
That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
- Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.
We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme.
We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Enhanced DBS Check
- Qualifications Check
- Professional Registration Check
- 5 years of Referencing
Please note
Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council.
Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritized.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Senior / Social Worker - Children with Disabilities employer: London Borough of Hillingdon
Hillingdon is an outstanding employer dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and manageable caseloads, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and growth. Located conveniently with excellent transport links, we offer flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that our social workers can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Hillingdon Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Social Worker - Children with Disabilities
✨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 Hillingdon.
✨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 Hillingdon!
✨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 Hillingdon, 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 Hillingdon 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 Senior / Social Worker - Children with Disabilities
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 Hillingdon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Hillingdon! 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 Hillingdon
✨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.
