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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to support children and families in need through effective triage and recommendations.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and on-site nursery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to improving Reading for everyone.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We are looking for an experienced social worker with a strong social work value base that will be committed to this role and the team and that will practice using the practice approach of Reading Borough Council including trauma informed, systemic and restorative practice.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our Children with Single Point of Access (CSPOA) team within Reading Borough Council. This role is situated within the front door for early help and safeguarding children, and you will represent the service for those seeking advice and support for children not already open to the service. You will work as part of a team to gather, review and evaluate information in regard to children\’s needs, including children in need of support, intervention and protection. This is not a case holding role; instead you will explore, triage and make recommendations on the needs of children and young people, alongside the family and professional network ensuring they receive the help they need at the time they need it.
Qualifications
- Social Work qualification.
- Social Work England registration.
- Advanced knowledge of the legal and social care policy framework.
- Appropriate Post Qualifying Moderated Training e.g. PQ Level 1 or 2 / Consolidation or Specialist / Practice Educator of Enabling Learning or equivalent.
Responsibilities and Role Context
You\’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you\’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years\’ service and 33 days after 10 years\’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
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Higher Specialist Social Worker - CSPoA/MASH employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Specialist Social Worker - CSPoA/MASH
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who might have insights into the CSPoA/MASH role. A friendly chat can lead to valuable advice or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on trauma-informed and systemic practices. We want you to showcase your knowledge and how it aligns with Reading Borough Council's values during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your adaptability and initiative! Share examples of how you've driven efficiency in past roles, as this is key to making a difference in Reading.
✨Tip Number 4
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 Higher Specialist Social Worker - CSPoA/MASH
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for social work! Share why you’re committed to making a difference in children's lives and how your values align with our practice approach. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Higher Specialist Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially those that relate to trauma-informed and systemic practices.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own social work values and how they align with those of Reading Borough Council. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Framework
Make sure you understand the trauma-informed, systemic, and restorative practices that are central to this role. Research these approaches and think about how you can apply them in your work. This will show your commitment to the practice approach during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving children and families. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your responses, focusing on collaboration and making a difference in the community.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively within a team in the past. Highlight your ability to collaborate, drive efficiency, and contribute positively to team dynamics.
