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: Up to £38/hour, flexible hybrid working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Manageable caseloads 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 and a recognised Social Work qualification.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
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 roles
- 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.
Social Work Social Worker - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / hour employer: Opus People Solutions
Milton Keynes City Council is an excellent 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 access to ongoing training and development opportunities, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the lives of children in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Social Worker - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / 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 - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / 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 - Children in Care Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £38 / 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.
