At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, ensuring their needs are met and voices heard.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, a supportive and stable team environment.
- Benefits: Up to £38/hour, flexible hybrid working, and access to training opportunities.
- Other info: Manageable caseloads and collaborative multi-agency working.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children in Care, strong communication skills, and a recognised Social Work qualification.
Milton Keynes City Council is looking for an experienced Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team, supporting children and young people to achieve positive, stable outcomes. This is a rewarding and impactful role, where you will act as a corporate parent to children in care, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are central to decision-making.
You'll manage a diverse caseload including:
- Children subject to Care Orders
- Children placed with parents or foster carers
- Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children
- Children with adoption plans / Placement Orders
Working closely with partners such as IROs, health services and the Virtual School, you will contribute to high-quality care planning and long-term permanence outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of Children in Care, ensuring all statutory responsibilities are met
- Undertake Children and Family Assessments and maintain up-to-date care plans
- Chair multi-agency meetings and collaborate across services to deliver joined-up support
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to all planning and decision-making
- Carry out direct work with children, including contributing to life story work where appropriate
- Support placement stability and positive outcomes through effective planning and intervention
- Contribute to the development of the team, sharing knowledge and best practice
Why Join Milton Keynes?
- Supportive and stable team structure with experienced permanent leadership
- Manageable caseloads (typically up to 18 children)
- Strong multi-agency working with dedicated health and education partners
- Access to training and development opportunities for locum staff
- Flexible hybrid working options
Experience/Skills:
- Have recent experience within Children in Care (essential)
- Have adoption experience and have held a CIC-focused role
- Are confident managing complex caseloads and care planning
- Have strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Are committed to child-centred practice and achieving positive outcomes
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England
- Hold a full UK driving licence and can travel locally and occasionally further afield
If you're an experienced CIC Social Worker looking to join a stable, supportive team where you can make a real difference to children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
Social Work Social Worker - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / hour employer: Oaksec
Milton Keynes City Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and stable team environment with experienced leadership. With manageable caseloads and strong multi-agency collaboration, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working options and ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Social Worker - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / hour
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Children in Care. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in social work. We recommend having some real-life examples ready to showcase your experience with complex caseloads and child-centred practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and experience, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to join a supportive team in Milton Keynes.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Social Worker - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / hour
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Social Worker role. Highlight your experience with Children in Care and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements and specific examples of how you've supported children and young people. We love seeing real-life impacts you've made in your previous positions.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about child-centred practice, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and what drives you in this field.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our supportive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaksec
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Children in Care policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in care, as well as the statutory responsibilities that come with the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the impact of your work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing complex caseloads and how you've successfully supported children in care. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills in care planning and multi-agency collaboration. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Practice
Be ready to talk about how you ensure the voice of the child is central to your practice. Share examples of how you've involved children in decision-making processes and how you've tailored your approach to meet their individual needs. This is crucial for a role focused on achieving positive outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in their Children in Care programme. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
