At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in safeguarding children and families through collaborative multi-agency work.
- Company: North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, local government pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join our inclusive staff groups and access wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for safeguarding, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 41771 € per year.
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Children's Services – Front Door. The Front Door is responsible for delivering statutory services to children and families. A Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Social Worker plays a vital role in the early identification and response to safeguarding concerns involving children. MASHs are collaborative environments where professionals from various agencies — such as social care, police, health, and education — work together to assess and respond to referrals about individuals at risk of harm.
Key Responsibilities
- Screen and triage safeguarding referrals.
- Gather and analyse information from multiple agencies.
- Make informed decisions about the level of intervention required.
- Facilitate secure and timely information sharing between professionals.
- Apply safeguarding thresholds consistently and fairly.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
- Liaise with professionals across sectors to ensure coordinated responses.
- Ensure all safeguarding actions comply with legal and ethical standards.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Fixed Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 4+ days in the office. Spends most or all of their time in the office, due to the nature of the work but can be for reasons such as unsuitable home working conditions or a desire for separation of home and work life. The office remains a shared space with cultural encouragement for clear desk policies.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about safeguarding the children of North Somerset, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures.
- Proficiency in using case management systems and digital tools.
- Commitment to multi-agency collaboration and continuous professional development.
Work Environment
MASH Social Workers typically operate in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and sound judgment are essential. They work closely with professionals from various agencies and must be adept at managing sensitive information and making timely decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals at risk.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact on North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Michelle Jennings, Team Manager. Tel: 01275888924 E-Mail: michelle.jennings@n-somerset.gov.uk
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Interview Date
TBC
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Social Worker, Front Door in Wick employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and flexible working arrangements, the council empowers Social Workers to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding children and families within the community. Located in Weston-super-Mare, employees benefit from a vibrant local culture and access to various employee support groups, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Front Door in Wick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals from North Somerset Council and other agencies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Front Door team and their approach to safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or news related to children's services in North Somerset. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those around decision-making and multi-agency collaboration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining North Somerset Council and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Front Door in Wick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact in the community!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we do at North Somerset Council.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see how you meet the essential criteria. Avoid jargon and keep it straightforward!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on showcasing your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Safeguarding Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the importance of compliance in safeguarding children.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to gather and analyse information quickly. Highlight how you made informed decisions under pressure, as this is crucial for a MASH Social Worker.
✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess
Since you'll be liaising with various professionals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to role-play potential scenarios with a friend to ensure you can communicate effectively and empathetically during the interview.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Be ready to discuss your experience working in multi-agency environments. Share specific instances where collaboration led to successful outcomes, as this role heavily relies on teamwork and effective information sharing.