At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through intervention, protection, and court processes.
- Company: Cambridgeshire County Council, committed to effective safeguarding practices.
- Benefits: Up to £39/hour, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a progressive local authority with varied caseloads and excellent support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable court experience.
- Qualifications: Strong court experience and a recognised Social Work qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for experienced Social Workers to join their Family Safeguarding Team, supporting children, young people and families through intervention, protection and court processes. This is a busy and rewarding safeguarding role, managing a varied caseload across:
- Child in Need
- Child Protection
- Children in Care
- Pre-Proceedings
Working within the Family Safeguarding model, you'll focus on building strong relationships with families while managing risk, progressing plans and achieving safe outcomes for children. This role requires confidence in court work and statutory processes, alongside the ability to work effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
Key Responsibilities:- Complete statutory visits across CIN, CP and CIC cases
- Manage a complex caseload, including cases in PLO and care proceedings
- Prepare and submit court reports, risk assessments and parenting assessments
- Attend court hearings (with support from senior practitioners/management)
- Chair CIN meetings and Core Group meetings
- Attend and contribute to ICPCs and RCPCs, including writing conference reports
- Take part in the duty rota, supporting incoming work as required
- Effectively assess and manage risk, ensuring timely interventions and safeguarding decisions
- Established Family Safeguarding model supporting effective practice
- Opportunity to gain strong court and statutory experience
- Supportive team structure with senior practitioner oversight
- Varied caseload offering breadth and challenge
- Hybrid working to support flexibility
- Have strong court experience (essential)
- Have previously worked within a Family Safeguarding model (essential)
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
- Are registered with Social Work England
- Can confidently manage risk, complexity and statutory processes
- Have strong assessment, report writing and communication skills
- Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
If you're an experienced safeguarding Social Worker with court experience looking for your next opportunity in a progressive and supportive local authority, we'd love to hear from you.
Social Work Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Up to £39 / hour employer: Opus People Solutions
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture within the Family Safeguarding Team. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from strong oversight by senior practitioners and opportunities to gain valuable court experience while managing a varied caseload. The hybrid working model further enhances flexibility, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Up to £39 / hour
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Opus People Solutions, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Up to £39 / hour
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Opus People Solutions. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Opus People Solutions. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Opus People Solutions.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Work Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Up to £39 / hour role at Opus People Solutions, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Opus People Solutions that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
