At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through assessment and intervention, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join a leading children's services team recognised for outstanding practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, golden hello payment, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a commitment to family-focused practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in safeguarding and a passion for children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 48003 - 52194 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Social Worker and an Experienced Social Worker for the Children and Families Assessment and Intervention Service. You will need to be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England and have relevant experience in statutory safeguarding services. You will have experience in delivering safeguarding services with an interest in expanding your learning and development in all aspects of children’s social care.
You should be able to demonstrate an ability to manage a caseload of families and children with complex needs, work in partnership, seek supervision and guidance, support team activities and strategic priorities, and work at a fast pace. The role will be carried out on a rota basis with set days being based in the office, providing direction and guidance for early help and statutory services.
The Social Workers and Experienced Social Workers in the Assessment and Intervention Service work closely alongside partner agencies and other colleagues in Children and Families Services to ensure that children are safeguarded effectively and without delay. An Experienced Social Worker will have the opportunity to lead and support best practice and will receive 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.
Interviews will be held on 2nd and 7th July.
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.
Core Values
- We keep children and young people at the heart of our work.
- We learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people and families.
- We ‘Think Family’ and focus on the strengths within families.
- We are committed to doing what we say we will do.
- 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.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Grade: ME13, £48,003 – £52,194 per annum (base).
- Role currently receives 2 spinal points for market pay, taking the salary to £50,085 – £54,267 per annum.
- Salary: £50,085 – £54,267 per year.
- Permanent, full‑time role.
- Golden Hello payment of £4,500 paid in two instalments.
- We are not able to offer international sponsorship at this time.
Experienced Social Worker in London employer: Merton Council
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Merton, where our commitment to safeguarding children and families is matched by our dedication to employee development. As an Experienced Social Worker, you will benefit from excellent support through reflective supervision and a robust training programme, all within a collaborative work culture that values creativity and partnership. With a competitive salary and a Golden Hello payment, we strive to create an environment where you can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker in London
✨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 Merton 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 Merton 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 Merton 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 Merton 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 Experienced Social Worker in London
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 Merton Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Merton 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 Merton 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.
