At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families to achieve safe, stable futures through assessments and care plans.
- Company: Join Perth Grammar School's Community Wing, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable children and families while working collaboratively with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant social work qualifications and experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 40000 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
We currently have the following opportunity: Social Worker - PKC14034. £38,080 - £40,000 (Hours per week). Community Wing, Perth Grammar School. Perth City Children and Families Social Work Team is a locality-based team, covering catchment areas linked to Perth Academy and feeder primary schools. As a Children & Families Social Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve safe, stable, and positive futures.
Your role will involve:
- Carrying out comprehensive assessments of need and risk, leading on care and protection plans to support children, young people, and their families.
- Working in partnership with other agencies to strengthen the capacity of individuals and families using our services.
- Responding to child protection referrals, conducting investigations, and making informed recommendations in line with child protection procedures.
- Assessing and advising on the need for compulsory supervision measures both at home and when necessary, away from home.
- Making recommendations for children who may require permanent alternative family care.
- Contributing to reviews of children’s needs, providing reports and recommendations to Children’s Hearings and Courts on behalf of the Council.
- Supporting rehabilitation plans and providing ongoing assistance to looked-after and accommodated children.
- Maintaining accurate written reports and up-to-date records as required.
Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for an organised person with a flexible approach who holds the ability to manage time effectively and produce accurate, high-quality work, often to tight timescales. You should have experience in child protection assessment and intervention as well as previous experience of being responsible for cases with a high level of need, risk, and complexity. We are looking for an ambitious, compassionate practitioner who can demonstrate experience of working with integrity in line with the values of Perth and Kinross Council. We are also looking for a practitioner who demonstrates a rights-based approach that encourages relationship-based practice and a focus on the best outcomes for children. You will be creative, enthusiastic, embracing of challenge and committed to improving the lives of the people we work with. You will have empathy and a drive to support children and families to empower themselves and strive for positive outcomes. You must have an ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families and work collaboratively with other professionals to analyse information and draw out recommendations and work within professional boundaries. You must be computer literate with proven IT skills, have experience in preparing and presenting clear and concise reports and presentations for a range of purposes including formal meetings. You must have a DIPSW, CQSW, CSS and relevant Social Work Qualifications. You must have a good level of experience in Adult Social Work; NQSW need not apply on this occasion. You must have a valid UK driving licence as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.
Working at Perth & Kinross Council
Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!
Here's what we can offer you:
- A generous annual leave package: 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day.
- Eligibility to join our pension scheme.
- Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework.
- Flexi time.
- Access to a range of benefits.
We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager if this is of interest to you. A healthy work-life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development. All new employees have a four-month probationary period. Further details are available in the FAQs at “How to apply for a job or apprenticeship with us”.
Next Steps
Click “APPLY NOW”. External candidates are required to provide 2 references, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer. We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process. Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.
Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check and maintain your membership. If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above-mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.
Social Worker, Community Wing - Perth Grammar School - PKC14034 in Brechin employer: Perth and Kinross Council
As a leading employer in the social work sector, we offer a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in the heart of Perth, our Early Intervention & Prevention Service provides unique opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Community Wing - Perth Grammar School - PKC14034 in Brechin
✨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 Perth and Kinross Council.
✨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 Perth and Kinross Council!
✨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 Perth and Kinross Council, 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 Perth and Kinross Council 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, Community Wing - Perth Grammar School - PKC14034 in Brechin
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 Perth and Kinross Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Perth and Kinross Council! 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 Perth and Kinross Council
✨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.