At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Children in Care Team to support and empower young people.
- Company: Merton’s Corporate Parenting Service, recognised for outstanding children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and celebrating diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in statutory children's services.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Social Worker to join our Children in Care Team. Merton’s Corporate Parenting Service is looking for a Consultant Social Worker for a rewarding role. Our vision is for our Borough to be a safe place for every child to grow up in and to give every child the best start in life. Our children's services have been judged Outstanding by Ofsted, and we are continuing to move forward to keep improving our standards of practice and response to children and young people for whom Merton are Corporate Parents.
Merton’s Leaders are committed and focused on supporting our staff and ensuring that we are keeping children and young people at the heart of our work. In Merton, we have a blended practice model which combines systemic practice, relationship-based social work, and signs of safety, and is embedded throughout all of our work with children and young people. There is also a well-established and connected multi-agency partnership, and together we strive to:
- Keep children and young people at the heart of our work
- Learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people, and families
- 'Think Family' and focus on the strengths within families and networks
- Be committed to doing what we say we will do
- Celebrate difference and diversity
You will need to be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England, and have relevant experience in statutory children's services. You should have experience and a commitment to delivering high impact and quality services to children and young people. You should be able to demonstrate an ability to manage a caseload of children and young people with a range of needs, work in partnership with children and young people, seek supervision and guidance, and support team activities and strategic priorities.
To find out more about the role, please contact Rochelle Rochester - Team Manager on 0204 605 6353 or Rorie Ovens - Service Manager on 020 8545 4279.
Consultant Social Worker - Children in care employer: London Borough of Merton
Merton's Corporate Parenting Service is an exceptional employer, dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children in care. With a strong commitment to staff support and professional development, we offer a collaborative work culture that values diversity and innovation. Our Outstanding-rated children's services provide meaningful opportunities for social workers to make a real difference in the lives of children and families within a well-connected multi-agency framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Social Worker - Children in care
✨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 Merton.
✨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 Merton!
✨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 Merton, 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 Merton 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 Consultant Social Worker - Children in care
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 Merton:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Merton! 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 Merton
✨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.
