Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support

Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support

Temporary 28400 - 31000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
North Lanarkshire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals and families with advice and assistance in a professional social work setting.
  • Company: Join North Lanarkshire Council, dedicated to putting people first.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 27 days annual leave, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and care-experienced individuals.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your skills in social care.
  • Qualifications: SVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care and excellent communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 28400 - 31000 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team putting people first to make sure they get the right support at the right time. We are currently recruiting Social Work Assistants to join us in University Monkland Hospital and University Wishaw Hospital to help us deliver an accessible and professional social work service across our communities in North Lanarkshire.

Your role will include offering advice, support and assistance to both individuals and families and to partner agencies including police, health and housing colleagues. You will also be involved in some individual and group work programmes and assist in preparing written reports and assessments.

To apply you must demonstrate excellent communication skills and hold a SVQ level 2 qualification in Health & Social Care (or equivalent). Previous relevant experience working within a social work or social care setting is also essential. Possession of a relevant HNC or SVQ Level 3 would be desirable.

Temporary Posts are temporary for a period of 12 months. Full-time & Part-Time - 3 x 35 hours Posts & 1 x 17.5 hour Post. You will require to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to commencing in this role.

Working here at North Lanarkshire Council, we have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family:

  • 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays
  • A wide range of benefits available to you
  • Full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL

North Lanarkshire Council are happy to talk flexible working; we operate a Smarter Working Policy. For all casual/sessional roles, you will receive 12.1% of your hourly rate for every hour worked in total recompense for annual leave, including public holidays. These rates will be indicated separately on your payslip. You will only be paid for the hours that you work.

North Lanarkshire Council has reached its current allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship and, as a result, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who consider themselves to be disabled, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.

We have also adopted the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show our support for service personnel, veterans and their families. We offer a guaranteed interview for service leavers, spouses, reservists and veterans, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.

North Lanarkshire Council is committed to #KeepingThePromise. This means that if you have ever been in care (looked after at home with a social worker, lived with a relative other than your parents, experienced foster, residential or secure care) you are entitled to a guaranteed interview for this post, as long as you meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. This is one way North Lanarkshire is demonstrating our commitment to supporting Care-Experienced People.

The Plan for North Lanarkshire is to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. The Council recognises that work is an important part of adult life and is critical to our wellbeing and shaping how we live. The Fair Work Convention's Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect and security. We believe Fair Work can boost creativity, realise untapped potential and increase productivity.

Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support employer: North Lanarkshire Council

North Lanarkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and access to a comprehensive learning academy, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. The council's commitment to inclusivity and community support makes it a rewarding place to work, especially for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the local education sector.

North Lanarkshire Council

Contact Details:

North Lanarkshire Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support

Get Involved in Local Community Projects

One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!

Engage with Social Work Networks

Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.

Apply Directly Through Our Website!

When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to North Lanarkshire Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Empathy
Adaptability
Flexibility
Teamwork
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of North Lanarkshire Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.

Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.

Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at North Lanarkshire Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!

Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!

How to prepare for a job interview at North Lanarkshire Council

Sharpen Your Empathy Skills

In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with North Lanarkshire Council.

Know Your Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Work Assistant - Flexible Hours & Impactful Support role at North Lanarkshire Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show North Lanarkshire Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.