At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults and carers through social work assessments and interventions.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a compassionate organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth in a friendly, dedicated team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and knowledge of relevant legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. 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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the North Locality Social Work Team for a permanent Social Work Assistant, 18 hours per week. The base for this post is in Pitlochry Community Hospital, where you will have the opportunity to work closely within the same office location as colleagues across the NHS supporting integrated and creative approaches to supporting our adult service users and carers.
Highland Perthshire is a beautiful area of Scotland, covering varied landscapes ranging from very rural areas such as Glen Lyon and Kinloch Rannoch to the bigger communities such as Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. We are a dedicated, ambitious, compassionate and friendly team looking for a creative individual to welcome and support to grow and develop alongside us.
You will work with a range of partner agencies and services in various settings to support service users. You will be expected to carry out a range of social work assessments and interventions to support service users to meet identified outcomes. The negotiation of flexible support care plans, and the monitoring and reviewing of individual care and support options is required within the role. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly dedicated team, with excellent training, supervision and development opportunities provided.
Benefits also include; flexible working scheme, modern working practices, generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme. Candidates wishing to explore job share/part-time working are welcome to apply. Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for an ambitious, compassionate practitioner who can demonstrate experience of working with integrity in line with the values expected within Perth and Kinross Council. It is essential that you have knowledge in the areas of Adult Support and Protection, Adults with Incapacity, Self-Directed Support and Carers Legislation. You will be an experienced Social Care Practitioner within a variety of settings who is interested in developing skills supporting a variety of service user groups to further your career and professional development.
You will be creative, enthusiastic, embracing of challenge and committed to improving the journey of the people we serve. You will be interested in learning new skills to support service improvement and development. You will be an organised individual with outstanding communication skills and a 'can do' attitude to problem solving. Experience of statutory Adult Social Work is essential for the role. A driving licence and access to a vehicle for work is essential for this post. You must have SVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent.
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.
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.
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Anne Prentice at her email address to find out more. 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.
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 Work Assistant, Pitlochry Community Hospital - PKC14123 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 Work Assistant, Pitlochry Community Hospital - PKC14123
✨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 Work Assistant, Pitlochry Community Hospital - PKC14123
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.
