At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities, empowering them through tailored care and planning.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, committed to innovative social work practices.
- Benefits: Earn £38.00 per hour with flexible hybrid working and manageable caseloads.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on progressive, trauma-informed practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in statutory children's social work.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
Location: Base: Coalville (Countywide Service coverage)
Authority: Leicestershire County Council (Children & Family Services)
Pay Rate: £38.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-Time Locum Assignment (37 hours/week)
Working Pattern: Hybrid (Office-based for duty rota, team development, and key meetings)
Are you an experienced Children's Social Worker passionate about relationship-based practice, trauma-informed care, and empowering young people with complex needs? Leicestershire County Council is recruiting a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join their specialist Children's Disability Service. Offering £38.00 per hour, this role centers on delivering high-quality statutory social work through the council's innovative Empowered Futures model and the Signs of Safety framework.
About the Role & Service Area: The Children's Disability Service is dedicated to promoting choice, independence, and inclusion for children and young people with disabilities. Central to this role is Pathway to Adulthood planning, ensuring young people achieve the best possible outcomes as they transition into adult life within a supportive environment featuring manageable workloads and regular reflective supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Statutory Assessments & Planning: Complete robust Child and Family Assessments and manage Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children in Care (CIC) plans.
- Transition & MCA Practice: Undertake Mental Capacity Act (MCA) assessments where appropriate and support Pathway to Adulthood planning through the Empowered Futures framework.
- Signs of Safety Implementation: Apply Signs of Safety methodology to all assessment, care planning, and review processes.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely alongside families, health, education, and social care partners to create lasting safety and positive change.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualifications & SWE: Recognised Social Work qualification (CQSW, DipSW, BA, or MA) and active registration with Social Work England (SWE).
- Statutory Experience: Proven experience in statutory Children's Social Work, including safeguarding, care planning, and working within CIN/CP/CIC frameworks.
- Disability & Transition Knowledge: Strong understanding of child development, disability practice, risk management, and transition planning.
- Mobility: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for countywide visits.
Why Apply?
- Competitive Pay: £38.00 per hour.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working supported by manageable caseloads and regular reflective supervision.
- Progressive Practice Model: Work within a trauma-informed, strengths-based service using the Empowered Futures model.
Senior Social Worker - Children's Disability Service 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 Senior Social Worker - Children's Disability Service
✨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 Senior Social Worker - Children's Disability Service
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.