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: Flexible hybrid working, manageable caseloads, and access to training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with strong multi-agency partnerships.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Hybrid: Up to 2 days Working from home.
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.
Children in Care Social Worker — Hybrid, High-Impact Role employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
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 Children in Care Social Worker — Hybrid, High-Impact Role
✨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 child welfare. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise and passion for child-centred practice when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with multi-agency collaboration! This role is all about working with various partners, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve positive outcomes for children.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in the lives of children in care.
We think you need these skills to ace Children in Care Social Worker — Hybrid, High-Impact Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Children in Care. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to child-centred practice and can articulate why they want to make a difference in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Milton Keynes City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Children in Care policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children under care orders, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and those with adoption plans. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to this position. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed complex caseloads or contributed to positive outcomes for children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with various partners, highlight your collaboration skills. Talk about times when you've successfully chaired multi-agency meetings or worked with health services and education partners to achieve a common goal. This will demonstrate your ability to work within a supportive team structure.
✨Be Child-Centred
Remember, the voice of the child is central to this role. Prepare to discuss how you ensure children's needs and opinions are prioritised in decision-making. Share any experiences where you've directly engaged with children to support their development and well-being, showcasing your commitment to child-centred practice.
