At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and young people through a strengths-based approach in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: High-quality training, regular supervision, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with a focus on practitioner wellbeing and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while growing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Essential qualifications in social work; Welsh language skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Merthyr Tydfil offers the opportunity to grow and develop through high quality training, regular and effective supervision, and a wide variety of opportunities to pursue career development.
As a Local Authority that has adopted a systemic model of practice, there is a significant focus on practitioner wellbeing, reflection and learning, with the Family Support Team holding monthly sessions for reflective peer discussions about cases that may present with particularly challenging issues, in addition to quarterly team development afternoons.
Practitioners are supported in linking closely with communities and local services, and there is a healthy culture of learning, support and family across our amazing social work teams. The two posts are an exciting opportunity to join the service which puts the individual at the heart of our work. As well as supporting the families we engage with, you will be supporting practitioners that are developing through their journeys as Support Workers and Social Workers.
The teams work from a strengths-based approach to meet the needs of young people and their families. We have a diverse variety of casework, individual, dedicated and regular senior management support alongside progression opportunities for the successful candidates.
Merthyr Tydfil has developed as a modern and diverse town on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons and maintains a strong cultural identity. Parents have the most significant influence on children and on their future lives, and it is our belief that outcomes for children are best when they are supported to grow and achieve within their own families.
You will be required to provide evidence of all qualifications specified as essential. Ability to speak Welsh is desirable.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is committed to protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable people in our community. Rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken for all appointments as part of our recruitment and selection process. All employees are required to comply with their individual and organisational responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, the Information Security Policy and relevant supporting operational policies. Any matters of a confidential nature must not be disclosed or passed to any unauthorised persons or third party under any circumstance either during or after employment except in the proper course of your employment or as required by law, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or both. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.
We value diversity in our workforce and consider ourselves to be an Employer of Choice, committed to promoting and integrating equality of opportunity into all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage applicants from all groups and backgrounds to apply and join us at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are strongly committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace and ensure that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, disability, sex, race, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy and maternity.
Senior Social Worker – Family Support & Growth employer: Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and the well-being of both employees and service users. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to promoting independence among vulnerable individuals, this role provides meaningful and rewarding employment in a vibrant community setting. Additionally, the council values diversity and encourages candidates with Welsh language skills to apply, enhancing the inclusivity of its services.
Contact Details:
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker – Family Support & Growth
✨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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
✨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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council!
✨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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, 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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council 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 – Family Support & Growth
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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council! 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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
✨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.
