Qualified Social Worker - Children's Services (Permanent) in Kilmarnock

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified social worker to join our Duty Team in Children's Services in Midlothian. As the “front door” to statutory Children’s Services, our team is shifting from a primarily child protection investigatory response toward a strengths‑based, relational way of working that prioritises “how we can help” from the very first contact. We aim to engage families early, uphold strong front‑door principles, and provide meaningful, proportionate support that promotes wellbeing, equity and inclusion. Working as part of an experienced and motivated team, you will work under Child Protection and Looked After and Accommodated structures and Council policies and procedures to undertake initial assessments, provide advice, support, and short-term interventions. Initial assessments will be undertaken working closely with our police, health, education and third sector colleagues, with a shared goal of promoting Children & Young People’s safety and wellbeing Children’s views and wishes are the foundation of our assessments and intervention: candidates should be confident and highly skilled communicators. We offer a supportive team environment and excellent opportunities for continuous professional development. We value our workforce and provide staff with manageable caseloads, supportive supervision and a flexible working system. BA Social Work qualification or equivalent DipSW, CQSW and SSSC registration. Legal frameworks and the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities relevant to the service area; National and local practice, policy, procedure and legislation relevant to the post; Have knowledge and understanding of a range of systemic interventions and methodologies such as attachment, child development, systemic support, relationship-based approach, motivational interviewing techniques and the impact of trauma. Post-qualifying experience working with children and families; Child Welfare and Protection Certificate, or demonstrate a commitment to work towards it; Position Title: Social Worker - Children's Services Duty Team Children, Young People and Partnerships Contract Status: Permanent Working Pattern: Mon - Fri Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. This post is considered Regulated Work with Protected Adults and Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with Protected Adults and/or Children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Protected Adults and 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. UK website. If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.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. 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. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.