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 experienced leadership and strong multi-agency collaboration.
- 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 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Role
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 in Milton Keynes 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 in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around child-centred practice and multi-agency collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children in care. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and passion. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Milton Keynes City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Children in Care Social Worker — Hybrid, High-Impact Role in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Children in Care Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially with children in care, and show how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, as this will resonate with us at Milton Keynes City Council.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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, adoption plans, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. 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. Highlight any experience you have with managing complex caseloads and working collaboratively with multi-agency teams. Use specific examples to illustrate your successes and how you've positively impacted children's lives.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Practice
During the interview, make it clear that you prioritise the voice of the child in all decision-making processes. Share examples of how you've ensured children's needs are met and how you've involved them in their care planning. This is crucial for the role, so let your commitment shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting children in care. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
