At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Kinship Team to support children in care and their families.
- Company: Northumberland County Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and at least three years of post-qualifying experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 49282 £ per year.
At Northumberland County Council we are proud of our employees, who are passionate and committed to improving outcomes for our children and young people, ensuring that they feel safe, healthy, happy and ready to learn and achieve. We place children and young people at the heart of all we do and aim to provide a quality service to ensure that children in care get the best possible outcomes. Children thrive in stable and loving families. Sometimes birth parents are unable to care for their children themselves. Getting the best possible care for these children is one of our most important corporate responsibilities.
The Family Placement Service is seeking to recruit an advanced social work practitioner in the Kinship Team. You will be part of a creative, enthusiastic and dynamic family placement service. The team is responsible for the screening and assessment of family and friend carers to assess, as appropriate, that children can remain in the care of their network. You will complete Special Guardianship Reports as directed by the court and Kinship Fostering Assessments. You will join the team at an exciting time as the team has extended the training, support and core offer for special guardians that enhances the lives of children and their families and promotes stability. As a service, we will provide you with excellent support and supervision together with genuine opportunities for personal development.
You will have extensive post qualifying experience of statutory social work with children and families. You will have proven ability to transfer knowledge and skills to colleagues through coaching, mentoring and co‑working by establishing a professional network that promotes learning and practice development for yourself and others. This will include providing critical reflection and challenge in supporting the development of social workers.
We are offering:
- A competitive salary starting at £45,091 up to £49,282 (dependent on grade and experience) with a wide range of additional benefits
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (or other pension scheme)
- A wide range of staff benefits including a competitive annual leave provision
- Regular supervision
- A supportive environment
- Career progression opportunities
- A generous remuneration package
- Induction, support and mentoring from day one in post
- Flexible working arrangements
Essential requirements:
- You will have excellent communication skills and be able to convey complex messages in a straightforward way, both verbally and in writing.
- You will not be afraid to think creatively to solve problems.
- You will be able to make sound decisions.
- You will be empathetic and sensitive to the needs of children, young people and families.
- You will always want to hear the young person's voice and ensure that this is taken into account.
- You will be passionate about maximising a child's life chances to improve their overall outcomes.
- You will understand the importance of performance information and your contribution to maintaining high standards.
- You will have experience of working in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
- You will be able to contribute to the development of the service.
- You will have a sound knowledge base of the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Child and Family Social Work and the application of the Professional Capabilities Framework which will be embedded within all elements of your practice.
You must hold a relevant Social Work qualification such as the Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or CSS and be registered with Social Work England. You should also have a minimum of three years post qualifying experience. Due to the travel requirements of the role, you must hold a valid UK licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
For further information, please contact Eleanor Tamhne, Kinship Team Manager on 01670 or for an informal discussion.
If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend an interview, please contact Catherine Dixon on 01670 or email.
Social Work Lead (Kinship Team) in Morpeth employer: North East Ambition
Centurion Multi-Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a competitive salary and a commitment to operational excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of pupils and the wider community. Located in a supportive environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Lead (Kinship Team) in Morpeth
✨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 North East Ambition.
✨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 North East Ambition!
✨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 North East Ambition, 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 North East Ambition 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 Social Work Lead (Kinship Team) in Morpeth
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 North East Ambition:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Ambition! 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 North East Ambition
✨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.
