At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled children and young people, helping them navigate challenges and access support.
- Company: Join Kent County Council's dedicated team focused on empowering vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Earn up to £38 per hour with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Qualified Social Worker with experience in supporting disabled youth.
- Other info: Work closely with families and various agencies to promote inclusion and well-being.
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join our Disabled Children and Young People’s Team in West Kent. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by supporting disabled children and young people aged 0-25, helping them and their families navigate the challenges of accessing support and personal assistance as they transition to adulthood.
In this role, you will work closely with children, young people, and their families to assess, plan, monitor, and review support needs, ensuring a person-centred approach that promotes independence and well-being. You will collaborate with other agencies and community resources to offer the best opportunities for equality, participation, and inclusion in society.
Key Responsibilities:- Caseload Management: Manage a caseload of children and young people, assessing their needs and capabilities. Develop, monitor, and review individual care packages to meet those needs while working within budgetary and statutory requirements.
- Support Planning: Create and cost tailored support packages that help service users access the most appropriate services, including community resources, direct payments, and commissioned services. Ensure plans are in line with eligibility criteria, policies, and national legislation.
- Advocacy: Ensure the availability of advocacy services to empower service users in making decisions about their personal assistance arrangements, promoting self-determination.
- Safeguarding and Risk Management: Identify and manage safeguarding issues and concerns, escalating as appropriate. Take action in line with department policies and maintain high standards of care and safety.
- Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong relationships with Education, Health, and other professionals, contributing to Education, Health, and Care (EHCP) plans and other individual care plans.
- Resource Knowledge: Stay informed about available local community resources to enhance the decision-making process when creating care packages for service users.
- Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with service users, families, and other professionals, managing difficult situations and supporting the independence and well-being of children and young people.
- Legislative Knowledge: Keep up to date with relevant legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989, Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005) to ensure compliance and the delivery of high-quality services.
- HCPC registration as a Qualified Social Worker.
- Significant experience working with disabled children, young people, and their families.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Strong understanding of person-centred care planning and support provision.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment.
- Experience in safeguarding, risk management, and casework management.
- Competitive pay rate of up to £38 per hour.
- Opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, impacting the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Professional development and opportunities for career progression.
- Contribute to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support for children and young people in Kent.
If you are passionate about supporting disabled children and young people and meet the qualifications above, we would love to hear from you! Apply now to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people in West Kent.
Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team employer: NISI
Contact Detail:
NISI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in social work, particularly those involved with disabled children and young people. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in person-centred care planning and multi-agency collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed caseloads and supported families in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Kent County Council's Disabled Children and Young People’s Team to understand their values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience working with disabled children and young people. Include specific examples of your caseload management, support planning, and advocacy work to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting disabled children and young people. Mention your understanding of relevant legislation and how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your significant experience in safeguarding, risk management, and casework management. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in this role. Provide examples in your application of how you've managed difficult situations and collaborated with other professionals to support service users and their families.
How to prepare for a job interview at NISI
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with disabled children and young people. Highlight specific cases where you made a significant impact, demonstrating your ability to assess needs and create tailored support plans.
✨Know the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. Be ready to explain how these laws influence your practice and ensure compliance in your work.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with service users, families, and other professionals. Emphasise your ability to manage difficult situations and advocate for the needs of children and young people.
✨Research Local Resources
Understand the local community resources available for disabled children and their families. Being knowledgeable about these services will show your commitment to providing comprehensive support and enhancing decision-making processes.