At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and protect children and families in need through assessments and collaborative interventions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking service dedicated to child-centered practice in Cumbria.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £45.00 per hour with a supportive management structure.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding vulnerable children while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
Carlisle, Cumbria (Hybrid - 3 days on-site / 2 days remote)
Pay Rate: £45.00 per hour
Contract: Full-time (37 hours per week), Temporary/Agency
The Role
Are you a dedicated Social Worker looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Cumbria? We are seeking an experienced practitioner to join the Support and Protect Team in Carlisle. This is a frontline role focused on providing high-quality support and robust protection for children in need and those at risk of significant harm. You will join a forward-thinking service that prioritizes child-centered practice and multi-agency collaboration. With a competitive hourly rate and a supportive management structure, this is an excellent opportunity for a professional committed to excellence in safeguarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessment & Planning: Undertake statutory assessments under the Children Act 1989, including Child & Family Assessments and Section 47 investigations.
- Caseload Management: Manage a complex caseload involving Children in Need (CiN), Child Protection (CP) plans, and children subject to Public Law Outline (PLO) or care proceedings.
- Intervention: Develop and implement outcome-focused care and safety plans, ensuring the 'voice of the child' is at the heart of every decision.
- Court Work: Prepare high-quality reports for Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, Core Group meetings, and represent the local authority in court proceedings.
- Collaboration: Work closely with multi-agency partners including schools, police, and health services to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.
Requirements
- Qualifications: A degree in Social Work (BA, BSc, MA, or MSc).
- Registration: Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience: Substantial post-qualifying experience (ideally 3+ years) within a statutory Child Protection or Safeguarding environment.
- Skills: Exceptional report-writing skills, the ability to manage risk effectively under pressure, and strong interpersonal skills to engage with hard-to-reach families.
- Compliance: An enhanced DBS check (Child Barred List) and a valid driving license with access to a vehicle for travel across the Carlisle area.
Support and protect team in Carlisle employer: Randstad Care Careers
Randstad offers a unique opportunity for care home workers to thrive in the stunning Scottish Islands, where you can enjoy a fulfilling career while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, we provide our team with the chance to make a meaningful impact in small communities, all while enjoying the benefits of flexible hours and a rewarding lifestyle. Join us to experience the perfect blend of professional development and personal adventure in one of the UK's most beautiful regions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support and protect team in Carlisle
✨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 Randstad Care Careers.
✨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 Randstad Care Careers!
✨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 Randstad Care Careers, 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 Randstad Care Careers 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 Support and protect team in Carlisle
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 Randstad Care Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Randstad Care Careers! 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 Randstad Care Careers
✨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.
