At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in care, helping them achieve stability and independence.
- Company: Rutland County Council, dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to positive community outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Our vision is for all children and young people in Rutland to be happy, safe and successful. They will be supported and empowered to be the best they can be.
Rutland County Council is looking for a committed and motivated Social Worker to join our Through Care Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with children looked after and care leavers, supporting them to achieve stability, independence and positive outcomes as they progress through childhood and into adulthood.
As a Through Care Social Worker, you will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to thrive. You will work alongside foster carers, families, Personal Advisors, education providers, health professionals and partner agencies to deliver high quality care planning and pathway planning that keeps children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
About the Role
- Hold a responsibility for children and young people in the care of the Local Authority
- Undertake assessments, statutory visits and direct work
- Develop and review Care Plans and Pathway Plans that promote permanence, stability and independence
- Support young people to prepare for adulthood, including accommodation, education, employment, training and financial wellbeing
- Attend Children Looked After Reviews, planning meetings and other multi-agency forums
- Ensure children's wishes and feelings inform all planning and decision-making
- Actively champion the role of the Local Authority as a Corporate Parent
- Maintain high-quality recording and report writing in line with statutory requirements
Additional Requirements
The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Costs for the DBS and Social Work England registration are covered by Rutland County Council. Please note that you will need a full driving licence to enable you to travel across the county.
About You
To be successful, we are seeking a qualified Social Worker who:
- Holds a recognised Social Work qualification
- Registered with Social Work England
- Has knowledge of legislation, guidance and best practice relating to children looked after and care leavers
- Demonstrates strong assessment, planning and relationship-based practice skills
- Is child-centred, solution focused and committed to achieving excellent outcomes
- Works effectively within a multi-agency environment
- Has excellent communication, recording and report-writing skills
Informal enquiries
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Shana Pear, Team Manager - Through Care at spear@rutland.gov.uk
We review applications frequently; however, in periods of high demand, the role may close earlier than advertised, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Our benefits
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- A strong focus on health, wellbeing, and work-life balance
For further information on the benefits of working for Rutland, please see our careers page: Jobs and volunteering | Rutland County Council
Our Values
Our values - Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference - guide everything we do. We're looking for people who share these values and want to contribute to strong, supportive teams that deliver positive outcomes for our communities.
Social Worker - Through Care employer: Rutland County Council
Rutland County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. With a strong focus on work-life balance, generous annual leave, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our values of Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference guide our mission, making Rutland a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in adult social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Through Care
✨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 Rutland County 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 Rutland County 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 Rutland County 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 Rutland County 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 - Through Care
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 Rutland County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Rutland County 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 Rutland County 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.
