At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable families and assess risks to ensure child safety.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and relevant experience with children and families required.
The predicted salary is between 47601 - 50773 € per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
We currently have the following opportunity:
Social Worker, First Steps - PKC13711 £47,601 - £50,773 Almondbank House, Perth
First Steps is a statutory, multi-disciplinary, early years team based at Almondbank House in Perth. Social Workers within the team undertake pre-birth and post-birth risk assessments of babies deemed to be at risk of harm. The team offers assessment and intensive family support for infants and their families, some of whom are affected by parental substance misuse, parental mental health issues and domestic violence within the family.
Social Workers are responsible for undertaking pre-birth Child Protection Risk Assessments, time-scaled Parenting Capacity Assessments, as well as permanence planning. Social Workers are expected to write a variety of child care reports, including Permanence Reports. Social Workers within the team work closely with Senior Social Care Officers, Health Visitors, Midwives and a range of child and adult care workers from other services.
Social Workers undertake the assessment of contacts, reflective work with parents and work within the statutory arrangements for children. Social Workers also plan, develop and deliver parenting support assisted by other team members.
Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Skills & Experience Required
You must have a Degree in Social Work. Applicants should have a Social Work qualification, SSSC registration and relevant post-qualifying experience in working with children and vulnerable families. Applicants should also have experience in child protection assessment as well as previous experience of being responsible for cases with a high level of need, risk and complexity. 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
- Access to a range of benefits
- Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions
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.
This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Ann-Marie Kennedy on 01738 472296 to find out more.
Click “APPLY NOW”
External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, 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 on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk 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.
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 - First Steps, Almondbank House, Perth - PKC13711 in Edinburgh employer: Perth and Kinross Council
Perth & Kinross Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the community. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous leave packages, and opportunities for professional development, you will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and flexibility. Join us at Almondbank House in Perth, where your role as a Social Worker will not only enhance your career but also contribute to the lives of vulnerable families in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - First Steps, Almondbank House, Perth - PKC13711 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into Perth & Kinross Council. A friendly chat can lead to valuable information and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to child protection and family support. We recommend using real-life scenarios from your experience to showcase your skills and how you align with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! Since you'll be working closely with health visitors and other professionals, share examples of successful collaborations in your past roles during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Perth & Kinross Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - First Steps, Almondbank House, Perth - PKC13711 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience with child protection assessments and working with vulnerable families. We love it when applicants connect their skills directly to what we're looking for!
Be Specific with Examples:Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and experiences. We want to hear about situations where you've made an impact, especially in high-risk cases. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team at Perth & Kinross Council.
Check Your Details:Before hitting 'submit', double-check all your details! Make sure your contact information is correct and that you've included your referees. We want to make it easy for us to get in touch with you, so don’t leave any stone unturned!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Social Worker, especially around child protection assessments and family support. Brush up on relevant legislation and frameworks that guide your work, as this will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully handled complex cases or made a significant impact on families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Perth & Kinross Council values people at the heart of their work. Be ready to share how your personal values align with theirs. Think about times when you’ve demonstrated empathy, resilience, and teamwork in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.