At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, manage caseloads, and collaborate with families and partners.
- Company: Merton's Children in Care Team, recognised for outstanding children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a creative team focused on continuous improvement and family strengths.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and thrive in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in safeguarding services.
The predicted salary is between 48003 - 52194 ÂŁ per year.
Grade / Salary – ME13 – £48,003 – £52,194 per annum plus Essential user car allowance of £963 per annum
Advert Text
Are you ready to join us in Merton\’s Children in Care Team?
We are:
\”A place where outstanding children\’s services are offered, where children and young people feel they belong, stay safe and can thrive\”
We want Merton to be a great place for every child to grow up, and to give every child the best start in life. Our children\’s services have been judged Outstanding by Ofsted, and we are moving forward to keep improving our standards of practice. Our leaders are committed and focused on supporting our staff and families. We work well with our partners and are committed to making decisions alongside our children and families:
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We keep children and young people at the heart of our work and everything we do
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We learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people, and families
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We \’Think Family\’ and focus on the strengths within our families in Merton
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We are committed to doing what we say we will do
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We celebrate difference.
We have implemented a blended practice model which combines the best parts of signs of safety, systemic practice and relationship based social work. Creative social work thrives in Merton. Our staff feel cared for and valued.
You will need to be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England and with relevant experience in statutory safeguarding services.
You should be able to demonstrate an ability to manage a caseload of children in care with a variety of needs, work in partnership and seek supervision and guidance, support team activities and strategic priorities.
The Corporate Parenting service works closely alongside partner agencies and other colleagues in Children and Families Services in to ensure that children are safeguarded effectively and without delay. You will receive and deliver excellent support through reflective supervision, and an enhanced training offer that supports our practice model including, systemic practice, Signs of Safety, motivational interviewing, restorative and trauma informed practice. You\’ll inspire your colleagues and lead key elements of practice.
Experienced Social Worker employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to social work. Think about how you can showcase your experience with children in care and your ability to manage diverse caseloads. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Merton’s commitment to outstanding children’s services is a great fit for passionate social workers. Apply through our website to make sure your application stands out!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and reinforces your enthusiasm for making a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in children's lives and how your values align with ours.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in statutory safeguarding services. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload and work collaboratively with families and partners.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. 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 this exciting opportunity in Merton's Children in Care Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest practices and frameworks mentioned in the job description, like Signs of Safety and systemic practice. Brush up on your knowledge about safeguarding services and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your ability to manage a caseload effectively. Think about challenges you've faced and how you’ve worked in partnership with families and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you support team activities and contribute to strategic priorities. Share instances where you’ve inspired colleagues or led initiatives that improved practice within your team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how the organisation supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.