At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to support mental health services and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Company: North Lanarkshire Council, committed to social justice and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for care-experienced individuals and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions recovery-oriented, trauma-informed practices.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant social work qualifications and experience in mental health.
The predicted salary is between 47484 - 52252 £ per year.
Would you like to join us to make a difference and change lives? North Lanarkshire Council has ambition. As Scotland’s fourth largest local authority, we are committed to delivering services that provide best value, create prosperity, achieve social justice, and meet local needs across the area.
We are looking for experienced and enthusiastic Mental Health Officers to help meet the growing demand for mental health services across North Lanarkshire. You will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of social welfare and social justice issues, relevant underpinning clinical knowledge, and prior experience of partnership working.
We are committed to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed practice. We are therefore seeking Mental Health Officers with strong person-centred assessment and engagement skills and who can demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the needs and rights of people with mental health problems.
Your role will involve completing statutory mental health reports in addition to a range of other legislative duties. It is essential that you demonstrate a sound knowledge of mental health, capacity and human rights legislation, and mental health issues.
You must have a CQSW, Diploma in SW, BA (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent together with a post-qualifying Mental Health Officer award and MHO Practice Assessor Certificate. You will be able to use your initiative, be flexible, and motivate yourself and others with a positive attitude as a team player.
You will require to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to commencing in this role and be registered or eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
In return, we can offer you a positive professional working experience with a commitment to continuous professional development including access to senior practitioner status (subject to eligibility), training, and support.
We have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays, and a wide range of benefits available to you.
North Lanarkshire Council are happy to talk flexible working, and we operate a Smarter Working Policy. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.
North Lanarkshire Council is committed to #KeepingThePromise. This means that if you have ever been in 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.
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.
To find out more, alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats such as Large Print, Braille, and Audio. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 01698 403151.
***PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY YOU MUST ENSURE AN APPLICATION FORM IS SUBMITTED. ANY CV SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DISREGARDED.***
Social Worker - REQ06344 - 480731 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - REQ06344 - 480731
✨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 Lanarkshire Council.
✨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 Lanarkshire Council!
✨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 Lanarkshire Council, 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 Lanarkshire Council 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 Worker - REQ06344 - 480731
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 Lanarkshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North Lanarkshire Council! 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 Lanarkshire Council
✨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.
