At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families, report writing, and planning family time.
- Company: Join North Ayrshire Council, a supportive team dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, bespoke training, and regular supervision.
- Other info: This role requires joining the PVG Scheme for child protection.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication and IT skills are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 34164 - 37117 Β£ per year.
Salary: £34,164.90 - £37,117.26 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work From Home: Hybrid
Job Summary
We may conduct our interviews in person or using Microsoft Teams for video calling. All you need is a device with a camera and access to the internet. We will provide guidance and instructions on how to use this method if your interview is being held virtually.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of Social Work Assistant for the Health and Social Care Partnership. The post is based at our locality office in Ardrossan, and covers the 3 towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston. We are looking for a worker who is child focussed, compassionate, caring and has the ability to build and maintain highly effective working relationships. Reporting to the team manager, you will join a group of highly trained and enthusiastic individuals who work with our most vulnerable children and young people. The team are community based and have excellent links with all local agencies, including health, education, the 3rd sector and housing. The majority of the team have worked together for over 10 years, and new workers are very well supported and cared for. Working within the legislative and policy contexts of Signs of safety, Safe and Together , The Promise, and GIRFEC, the team are committed to their roles. Report writing pertinent to the role, and the presentation of said reports at relevant forums is required. Further aspects of this role include planning and supervising family time, and ensuring that parents/carers are provided with feedback. Excellent communication skills are highly advantageous, as is the ability to support the lead professional for the child. IT skills are essential, as are good time time and diary management. The successful candidate will also benefit from a bespoke training package, inductions both corporately and localised, with regular supervision. In the first instance, please call Drew Maxwell, Team Manager for an informal chat about this post on 01294 468213.
For more details see the attached Role Profile below.
North Ayrshire Council uses behavioural based approach throughout the recruitment process. Our staff values of Focus, Passion & Inspiration will be explored for this vacancy.
For your information if this post requires references you will be notified of further details if you are successful in gaining an interview. Not providing relevant references when requested may delay the outcome of the interview process.
PVG (both)
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or protected adults
Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to confirmation of employment being made by North Ayrshire Council. Please note, successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant PVG check (£59 or £18), which will be deducted from your salary following commencement of employment. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland/ . For further details on North Ayrshire Council’s policy please visit Pre-employment checks (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) .
Please note if you are the successful candidate your name and email address will be entered into the Disclosure Scotland PVG system to generate your PVG form which will be issued to your email with an enclosed link to complete.
Our Workstyles
As an employer of choice, North Ayrshire Council has identified four different Workstyles. Each post in the council has been allocated one of these styles:
Agile – 100% of time spent working agile (flexibly) and interacting with others. Able to work at home, office or multiple locations. May be required to attend office on set days/rota basis as the role requires.
This post has been allocated the workstyle: Agile
#J-18808-LjbffrSocial Work Assistant in Ardrossan employer: North Ayrshire Council
North Ayrshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Work Assistants. With a strong focus on employee development, the council provides bespoke training packages and regular supervision, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to support vulnerable children and families in the community. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, while the long-standing team culture fosters strong relationships and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant in Ardrossan
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legislative frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as Signs of Safety and GIRFEC. Understanding these concepts will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in building effective working relationships, especially in a community-based setting. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with other agencies or supported vulnerable individuals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Since communication skills are highly valued for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery and ensure you convey your passion for social work.
β¨Tip Number 4
If your interview is virtual, ensure your technology is set up correctly beforehand. Test your camera and microphone, and choose a quiet, well-lit space to create a professional atmosphere that reflects your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant in Ardrossan
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Social Work Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or vulnerable groups. Use specific examples to demonstrate your compassion, communication skills, and ability to build relationships.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to mention your IT skills, time management, and report writing abilities in your application. These are essential for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past positions.
Prepare for the Interview:If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of the legislative and policy contexts mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Signs of Safety, Safe and Together, The Promise, and GIRFEC to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Ayrshire Council
β¨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the requirements, especially in areas like communication and report writing.
β¨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with vulnerable children and young people, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassion and caring nature. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and support, and be ready to share these during the interview.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Policies
The team works within specific legislative frameworks such as Signs of Safety and GIRFEC. Brush up on these policies and be prepared to discuss how they influence your approach to social work. This shows that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the field.
β¨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As the recruitment process uses a behavioural-based approach, prepare for questions that explore your values of Focus, Passion, and Inspiration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide clear examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles.