At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in the criminal justice system and prepare court reports.
- Company: Falkirk Council, dedicated to high-quality justice social work services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible locum work, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in justice cases.
- Qualifications: Experience in Justice Social Work and a recognised Social Work qualification required.
Job Description
Job Role: Social Worker – Justice Services
Location: Falkirk
Contract Type: Locum – ASAP start for an initial 3-month period (potential to extend)
Hourly Rate: Competitive DOE
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Join the dedicated Justice Services Team in Falkirk and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Falkirk Council is seeking an experienced agency Social Worker to support the delivery of high-quality justice social work services. This rewarding locum position offers competitive pay, varied casework, and opportunities for professional growth.
Perks and Key Information:
- Excellent Pay: Competitive hourly rate depending on experience.
- Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
- Contract Length: Initial 3-month placement with potential for extension.
- Career Development: Gain valuable experience across complex justice cases within a supportive team.
- Flexibility: Enjoy the independence and variety that locum work offers.
- Referral Reward: Receive a £250 referral bonus for successful referrals (T&Cs apply).
Main Responsibilities:
- Prepare Justice Social Work Reports for Court in accordance with national and local standards.
- Manage a caseload of Community Payback Orders (CPOs) with Supervision and other requirements.
- Undertake offence-focused intervention work to address criminogenic needs and support behaviour change.
- Complete and apply relevant risk assessments (including LS/CMI, SARA V3, RM2000, and SA07).
- Monitor and review compliance with court orders, taking appropriate action in cases of non-compliance.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies, including the Police, Courts, SPS, and third-sector providers.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records and reports in line with statutory and service requirements.
Qualifications, Skills & Requirements:
- Proven experience in Justice Social Work or a similar statutory social work setting.
- Current SSSC registration and recognised Social Work qualification (BA/MA in Social Work, DipSW).
- Strong assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills.
- Knowledge and application of risk assessment and management frameworks.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
Ready to make a real difference?
Apply today to join the Justice Services Team in Falkirk and take the next step in your Social Work career.
Social Worker - Justice Services in Falkirk employer: Opal Personnel Ltd
Falkirk Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers in Justice Services, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the criminal justice system. With competitive pay, flexible locum opportunities, and a focus on professional development, you will gain invaluable experience while working collaboratively with various partner agencies in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Justice Services in Falkirk
✨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 Opal Personnel Ltd.
✨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 Opal Personnel Ltd!
✨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 Opal Personnel Ltd, 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 Opal Personnel Ltd 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 - Justice Services in Falkirk
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 Opal Personnel Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Opal Personnel Ltd! 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 Opal Personnel Ltd
✨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.
