At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people at risk, develop community projects, and deliver training.
- Company: UTURN Contextual Safeguarding Team focused on positive relationships and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to valuing all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced social workers with a passion for community and youth support.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 55323 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: ME14 - £51,138 - £55,323 per annum
UTURN Contextual Safeguarding Team works with children, young people, and young adults who are at risk of, or experiencing, contextual harm.
Our practice is grounded in the belief that safety is created through positive relationships and by addressing the environments and contexts in which harm occurs.
We provide intensive, trauma-informed and non-judgemental support, focusing on understanding what a child or young person's behaviour mpartay be communicating about their lived experiences.
Our approach is bespoke, service-user led and, for non-statutory cases, consent-based.
We are committed to finding creative and meaningful ways to engage young people, working alongside them within their communities and everyday environments to promote safety and positive outcomes.
The team supports young people who are subject to Child in Need Plans, Child Protection Plans and Children Looked After arrangements where contextual harm risks have been identified.
UTURN also works collaboratively with local communities, voluntary organisations and statutory partners to develop and deliver projects that reduce contextual harm within identified locations and neighbourhoods.
About the Role
The Consultant Social Worker role within the UTURN Team offers an exciting opportunity to combine direct practice with development work.
You will contribute to project delivery and community-based initiatives while supporting the Team Manager and colleagues in embedding Contextual Safeguarding approaches across communities, statutory services and voluntary sector partners.
This role provides excellent opportunities to further develop leadership, management and supervision skills, making it ideal for experienced social workers looking to expand their professional practice.
As part of the UTURN Team, you will have opportunities to
- Be part of a stable team with committed and energic team members working with our young people and families in their communities.
- Build lasting relationships with young people in their own community.
- Develop project planning and delivery skills.
- Design and deliver training to internal teams and external partners.
- Contribute to innovative contextual safeguarding initiatives.
- Access a range of professional development and learning opportunities.
- Receive support from experienced and permanent Team Managers, Service Managers and Heads of Service.
- Develop management and staff supervision experience within a supportive environment.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of professionals and are particularly keen to encourage applications from Black, Mixed Heritage and Asian candidates.
Merton is committed to valuing diversity and creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact
- Emma Bradley
- Team Manager
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Consultant Social Worker - Contextual Safeguarding Team in Merton employer: Merton Council
Merton Council is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can make a tangible impact on local governance and community regeneration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and professional advancement, alongside a collaborative culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Social Worker - Contextual Safeguarding Team in Merton
✨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 Consultant Social Worker - Contextual Safeguarding Team in Merton
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.
