At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families, ensuring loving environments through recruitment and training of carers.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council's evolving Family Centred Care Team dedicated to positive outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £44,989.60, with a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Fixed term role with 36 hours per week, offering career growth in a transformative council.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and SSSC registration required; mental health qualifications accepted.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are currently remodelling our Family Centred Care Team to ensure that we have a vibrant and motivated team with a clear vision to ensure that our vulnerable children and young people experience loving and caring environments. An exciting opportunity has arisen for social workers to become part of this evolving team in Midlothian. Our ambition is to enhance the support we offer to Midlothian Kinship Carers, Foster Carers, Adopters and Continuing Care, and in doing so improve our retention by building their skills and knowledge to safeguard and achieve positive outcomes for the children and young people in their care.
We are looking for motivated and enthused individuals who understand the importance of the Promise and where this sits in relation to developing bespoke fostering and adoption services. You will be responsible for the recruitment, assessment and retention of a range of carers as well as delivering high quality supervision and learning opportunities.
Knowledge
- A degree in Social Work and registration with the SSSC as a Social Worker is essential.
- A Diploma in Social Work with SSSC registration as a social worker is an acceptable alternative together with a Mental Health Officer academic qualification.
Requirements
- This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
- Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children.
- You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
- If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
- SSSC registration is an essential requirement of this role. If you are appointed and are not already a member of the relevant section of the SSSC Register, you will be required to apply for registration within 3 months of your start date to ensure that you are registered within the required 6 months.
Additional Information
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Family Centred Care Social Worker – Children’s Services - MID07716 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for educators at Burnbrae Primary School. With a commitment to professional development and a strong focus on inclusivity, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a collaborative team culture. The modern facilities and diverse school community in Bonnyrigg provide unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional support needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Centred Care Social Worker – Children’s Services - MID07716 in Dalkeith
✨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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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 Family Centred Care Social Worker – Children’s Services - MID07716 in Dalkeith
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 Midlothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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.
