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- Tasks: Support and safeguard children in the Youth Justice Service while managing complex cases.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Merseyside Local Authority dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and contribute to community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification with 2.5 years experience in youth justice or children's services.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with strong trade union representation and wellness programmes.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 44000 £ per year.
A Merseyside Local Authority is seeking an experienced and qualified Social Worker to join our Youth Justice Service (YPT) on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, specific to youth justice, safeguarding, or statutory children's services.
About the Role
Under the supervision of a Social Care Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the safeguarding needs of children, young people and their families are assessed and responded to in a timely, effective, and child-centred manner. All duties will be carried out in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies and procedures.
You will manage a complex and varied caseload, undertake assessments, complete direct work with children and young people, and contribute to multi-agency planning within the Youth Justice framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and their families within a Merseyside Local Authority
- Carry out timely and robust assessments in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families and Working Together guidance
- Ensure children, young people, families, and partner agencies are actively involved in assessments and care planning
- Undertake direct, child-centred work with children and young people
- Manage a complex and varied caseload within the Youth Justice Service
- Prepare and implement care plans that reflect the views and wishes of children and young people
- Maintain high-quality case records and produce reports in line with service guidance and national standards
- Practice in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)
- Work in an anti-oppressive manner and ensure this is reflected in practice and recording
- Support Newly Qualified Social Workers through the ASYE programme as an Assessor where required
- Participate in service development, training, and continuous professional development to meet HCPC standards
- Comply with all council financial regulations, health and safety requirements, data protection, and information security policies
Essential Requirements
- Social Work qualification and registration with the relevant professional body
- Minimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, relevant to Youth Justice or statutory children's services
- Strong assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills
- Experience of managing complex cases and working within multi-agency settings
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and anti-oppressive practice
Our Benefits Package
A Merseyside Local Authority offers a competitive salary and a generous, flexible benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional development.
- Competitive salary with annual incremental progression
- Nationally negotiated annual pay awards
- Car mileage payments and free car parking
- Salary sacrifice schemes including hybrid and electric vehicle leasing
- Home goods and electricals
- Financial wellbeing support, including affordable borrowing
- 24-hour financial advice via Employee Assistance Programme
- Transparent pay structures so you know how your salary will progress
Pension
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) a defined benefit pension
- Pension based on salary and length of service, with a guaranteed income for life
- Inflation-protected pensions linked to CPI
- Employer contributions typically 14-20%
- Ill-health retirement and death-in-service benefits (3x salary lump sum plus survivor pensions)
- Option for early retirement from age 55 (with reductions)
- Opportunities to top up pension contributions through salary sacrifice
Wellbeing & Work-Life Balance
- 36-hour full-time working week
- Generous annual leave: Up to 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising to 36 days with long service
- Additional two concessionary days over the festive period
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Flexible and hybrid working options (role dependent)
- Cycle-to-work scheme and active travel support
- Free flu jab and free eye tests
- Occupational health services and workplace adjustments
- 24-hour health and wellbeing support, including counselling
- Access to health programmes such as weight management and smoking cessation
- Strong Trade Union representation (Unison, GMB, Unite)
Discounts
- High-street, dining, leisure, cinema, travel, and holiday discounts
- Discounted gym memberships
- Reduced-cost travel passes
- Mobile phone provider discounts
Family & Carers Support
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Paternity leave and shared parental leave
- Family-friendly policies supporting adoption, fostering, fertility treatment, and caring responsibilities
- Unpaid emergency leave
- Carers passports to support work-life balance
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a supportive, forward-thinking Youth Justice Service where your experience is valued, your development is supported, and your work makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people. Apply today to be part of a Merseyside Local Authority committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and professional excellence.
Qualified Social Worker in Birkenhead employer: Portman Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Portman Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in youth justice. They might know about job openings or can even refer you directly, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and legislation relevant to youth justice. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and young people in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in youth justice and safeguarding. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portman Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and guidance related to youth justice and safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families, as well as the Working Together guidance. This will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date with current practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in managing complex cases and working within multi-agency settings. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged children, young people, and families in assessments and care planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
This role is all about safeguarding and anti-oppressive practice, so be sure to articulate your commitment to these values during the interview. Share instances where you've advocated for children's rights or worked to ensure equality in your practice.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Youth Justice Service and its approach to service development and training. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your professional goals.
