At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to safeguard children and support families through timely interventions.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with a structured rota for variety and balance in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Children's Services and strong assessment skills.
Opus People Solutions on behalf of Milton Keynes City Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to join their MASH Assessment Pod on a full-time basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic assessment service where you will undertake timely interventions to safeguard children and support families at the earliest opportunity.
You will be part of one of our Assessment Pods, operating on a structured three-week rota designed to provide variety and balance within the role.
- Week 1: Assessment Week
- Manage up to four pre-arranged Single Assessments.
- Conduct home visits and engage directly with children and families.
- Complete comprehensive assessments and required recording.
- Week 2: Triage Week
- Fully office-based.
- Respond to urgent safeguarding concerns and potential Section 47 enquiries.
- Attend strategy discussions and multi-agency meetings.
- Undertake visits to families, either independently or jointly with the Police.
- Week 3: Follow-Up Week
- No new cases allocated.
- Opportunity to complete outstanding assessments, visit notes, meetings, and follow-up work.
- Focus on case progression and quality recording.
The team retains cases through to the Initial Child in Need Meeting or Initial Child Protection Conference, where cases are then transferred to longer-term teams. Social Workers are expected to attend these meetings as part of the handover process. Where legal proceedings are initiated, the team remains case holder until the first court hearing. Similarly, when a child becomes Looked After, the case remains with the Assessment Team until the first review meeting.
Working Arrangements
During the first four weeks, successful candidates will be required to attend the Milton Keynes office every day as part of the induction process. During Triage Week, office attendance is required every day due to the urgent and responsive nature of the work. During the remaining two weeks of the rota, there is flexibility to work from home for up to two days per week (maximum six days over the ten working days), subject to service needs.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
- Experience of working within Children's Services.
- Strong assessment and safeguarding skills.
- Experience managing Child in Need, Child Protection, and Section 47 work.
- Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced multi-agency environment.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel within the community.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
Apply today to join a team committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Social Worker Assessment Team (MASH) in Milton Keynes employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Opus People Solutions Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises sustainable outcomes for children and families. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in their community while working in a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Assessment Team (MASH) in Milton Keynes
✨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 Opus People Solutions 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 Opus People Solutions 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 Opus People Solutions 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 Opus People Solutions 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 Assessment Team (MASH) in Milton Keynes
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 Opus People Solutions Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Opus People Solutions 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 Opus People Solutions 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.
