At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to support children and families in need.
- Company: Renfrewshire's Children and Families Initial Response Team.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent position with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on teamwork and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent; SSSC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting and rare opportunity to join Renfrewshire's Children and Families Initial Response Team. The team is based within Renfrewshire House, Paisley, and provides an authority wide initial/short term service to the children and young people who require this and are not already being provided with support from Social Work.
You will have personal qualities, professional skills and knowledge which will be applied and tested in all aspects of service delivery within the busy Initial Response Team setting.
Main duties will include:
- Progressing initial, child's planning and child protection assessments
- Short term case management
- Family interventions
- Recording and monitoring work using an electronic case recording system
As a Social Worker within the Initial Response Team, you will require to have already developed skills around time management and an understanding of developing and managing safe care plans alongside families for the children and young people who require this.
It is essential that you have:
- A BA (Hons) in Social Work or equivalent
- Registration with SSSC/newly qualified workers to achieve registration with SSSC within 6 months of taking up role
- Commitment to social work values
- Effective interpersonal, communication, IT, assessment and writing skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative
- A flexible approach
Experience of working in a Child Care setting, experience of progressing assessments of need/risk and implementing GIRFEC principles within assessments and demonstrable knowledge around relevant legislation, procedures and guidelines within practice are also essential.
Post qualifying Social Work experience, experience working within a duty/initial response team setting post qualifying award in Practice Teaching or Child Protection and full current driving licence are desirable.
If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
Please contact Janine Biglie, Social Work Senior Manager if you wish to discuss the above post further at 0300 300 1199.
Social Worker (Full Time) (Permanent) (Initial Response Team) (x2 Posts) - REN14721 in Paisley employer: Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Social Workers in the Initial Response Team. Located in the heart of Paisley, employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With opportunities for growth and a focus on social work values, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Full Time) (Permanent) (Initial Response Team) (x2 Posts) - REN14721 in Paisley
✨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 Renfrewshire 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 Renfrewshire 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 Renfrewshire 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 Renfrewshire 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 Worker (Full Time) (Permanent) (Initial Response Team) (x2 Posts) - REN14721 in Paisley
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 Renfrewshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Renfrewshire 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 Renfrewshire 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.
