At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful family assessments and support children’s wellbeing.
- Company: Mikare, a dedicated team focused on child-centred assessments.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience with families.
At Mikare, we are committed to delivering high-quality residential family assessments that place children at the heart of everything we do.
Our dedicated team works collaboratively with families and professionals to provide robust, evidence-based assessments that support informed decision-making and promote the best possible outcomes for children.
- We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and motivated
- Assessing Social Worker to join our team at
Ashcombe House , our Residential Family Assessment Centre.
About the Role
As an Assessing Social Worker, you will play a key role in completing comprehensive parenting and family assessments for families residing at Ashcombe House.
Working within the National Minimum Standards (2013), you will gather, analyse and interpret information to produce high-quality assessments that inform care planning and court proceedings.
Managing a caseload of up to three families, you will work closely with our Social Work Assistants, Family Support Workers and wider multidisciplinary team to ensure assessments are thorough, balanced and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
You will
- Complete evidence-based parenting and family assessments throughout residential placements.
- Manage a caseload of up to three families.
- Produce high-quality interim and final assessment reports with clear analysis and professional recommendations.
- Prepare, co-work and quality assure weekly summary reports, identifying progress, safeguarding concerns and action plans.
- Work collaboratively with Social Work Assistants and Family Support Workers to ensure observations and recordings contribute effectively to assessments.
- Build positive, supportive relationships with families while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Provide advice and guidance to parents to promote positive parenting and strengthen family functioning.
- Monitor safeguarding concerns, contribute to ongoing risk assessments and take appropriate action to protect children.
- Liaise effectively with Local Authority Social Workers, Solicitors, Children's Guardians, Health Professionals and other partner agencies.
- Chair Placement Planning Meetings and attend Child Looked After Reviews, Core Group Meetings and other multi-agency meetings.
- Represent Mikare and Ashcombe House in Family Court proceedings across England and Wales where required.
- Complete Viability Assessments when instructed.
- Attend discharge planning meetings, outreach visits and family time observations as part of the assessment process.
- Support the Registered Manager through reflective supervision, service development and the continuous improvement of assessment practice.
- Participate in the management and social work on-call rota.
About You
We're looking for someone who has
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working with children and families within safeguarding, child protection or assessment services.
- Excellent analytical, assessment and report-writing skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to remain objective while supporting families through assessment.
- Experience of multi-agency working and representing professional recommendations confidently.
- A commitment to child-centred, evidence-based practice.
- A flexible approach and willingness to travel across England and Wales when required.
Why Join Mikare?
At Mikare, we recognise that our people are at the heart of the work we do.
We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and reflective working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally and contribute to continuous service improvement.
By joining our team at Ashcombe House, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families while working alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality assessments and outstanding practice.
If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise can have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Assessing Social Worker employer: Mikare Family Services
Mikare is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the families they serve. At Ashcombe House, you will be part of a dedicated team that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on meaningful impact, working here means contributing to high-quality assessments that truly make a difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessing Social Worker
✨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 Mikare Family Services.
✨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 Mikare Family Services!
✨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 Mikare Family Services, 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 Mikare Family Services 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 Assessing Social Worker
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 Mikare Family Services:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mikare Family Services! 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 Mikare Family Services
✨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.
