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- Tasks: Support individuals in maintaining independence and improving their quality of life.
- Company: Join Merton Council, a supportive workplace focused on social care and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, employee support, and great transport links for easy commuting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a collaborative and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, particularly with complex cases and safeguarding, is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and access to extensive learning resources.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Social Care is special here. Come and work in a supportive environment at Merton Council, where you’ll do a social work role that matters in a place where you matter. Our social workers do important jobs, and we’re focused on looking after you so you can look after others. Our people stay because we have a great culture, and staff tell us their colleagues are the best thing about working here.
You will support people to live well in Merton, to maintain their independence, stay at home and improve their safety and quality of life. Merton Council is focused on prevention, and we work closely with our partners to enable people to live fulfilling and meaningful lives in their homes for longer. This could be through connecting people socially in their communities, adding adjustments such as handrails or receiving care at home. You are empowered to help people make the best decisions about their care. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and your invaluable role will change people's lives for the better every day.
The First Response team is based in the Civic Centre in Morden. We are a team of 17 comprising qualified and unqualified, but experienced staff. We have a generally low turnover of staff but currently have vacancies for 3 Qualified Social Workers due to staff who are moving on to fresh fields. We are the first point of contact for new people coming to Adult Social Care and we are here to offer individualised advice and information, try to find solutions to customers’ queries and issues and if necessary, take referrals. The approach is strengths-based to build upon the ability of the customer and look to their systems of support.
You would be on Duty 2 days per week and would be required to work in the office on a 3rd day each week to ensure adequate support and integration with the team. The worker will also hold a caseload of approximately 10 - 12 cases which will include complex cases, Continuing Health Care assessments and safeguarding so it is important that the successful candidate has experience in these fields.
A career in social care at Merton Council offers great career progression and lots of learning and development opportunities. You will have access to a range of resources, platforms and programmes including: Care Knowledge, the Adult Social Care Development Academy, and the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership. We have great transport links including our tram, making it an easy commute from surrounding boroughs, and central London in just 25 minutes. Following a pay and benefits review, we now have one of the most progressive offers in outer London. We offer flexible working, employee support, wellbeing activities and active staff networks. We’re a borough on the rise, with big plans for the future and we want you to join us. Bring your ideas, passion and energy and help us put Merton on the map.
Social Worker First Response employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker First Response
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Merton Council's values and mission. Understanding their focus on prevention and community support will help you align your approach during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Merton Council. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex cases and safeguarding in detail. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the First Response team.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. Highlight any relevant training or professional development you've undertaken, as Merton Council values growth and progression within their social work roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker First Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker First Response position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in social work, particularly in areas like safeguarding and complex case management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for social work and your commitment to helping others. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to support individuals in maintaining their independence and improving their quality of life.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker First Response. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific duties, such as handling complex cases and conducting Continuing Health Care assessments.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a social worker, empathy is key. During the interview, share examples of how you've supported individuals in difficult situations. Highlight your ability to connect with people and understand their needs, which is crucial for helping them maintain their independence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Merton Council
Research Merton Council's values, culture, and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about the organisation will show your genuine interest in the role and help you articulate why you want to work there specifically.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about team dynamics, support for professional development, or how the council measures success in social work. It demonstrates your engagement and eagerness to contribute.
