At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families with special guardianship orders through assessments and therapeutic support.
- Company: Join a friendly team within Salford's Fostering Service, rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training, manageable workload, and supportive management.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in child welfare and family support.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for a full-time Social Worker in the Special Guardianship Service within the Salford Fostering Service as a permanent post. We are a friendly and stable team working with children and families who have special guardianship orders. We work closely with Special Guardians, birth parents and children, and their support networks, offering advice, guidance and therapeutic-informed support to sustain placements.
We cover the local authority area with a mix of office-based and home working arrangements in line with Salford City Council guidance. You will be office based during the induction period. There is access to a car club. There is a requirement to be able to work outside the local authority area where carers reside elsewhere in England.
This Social Worker role is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of Special Guardianship services in Salford. You will receive a comprehensive office-based induction and be supported through regular supervision, Personal Development reviews, regular team and service meetings, and access to learning and development opportunities.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to manage and prioritise their own caseload, whilst working as a member of the team. You will need to be a qualified and professionally registered social worker, have knowledge of current legislation and regulations, and have demonstrated experience and abilities in respect of working in partnership with children, young people, families and partner agencies.
You will support the team by responding to and undertaking a variety of contacts and referrals and assessments, including Fostering Duty; providing advice and information to colleagues and external professionals; working collaboratively using the Family Partnership Model within the Local Authority. Your role is to support placements for children and young people, including working with complex families who may be in the child in need, child protection, and legal arenas; completing Special Guardianship assessments of applicants; coordinating support arrangements and Adoption Support Fund applications; undertaking annual reviews of support plans; delivering workshops, training, and facilitating support groups; and making onward referrals.
You will need to understand the support needs and legislation that applies to SGO families in England, the UK, and internationally. The role will require you to complete support needs assessments to identify areas of support for families. You will need to be flexible and able to undertake visits and attend multi-agency meetings. You will attend court and be skilled in completing assessments and reports for court.
We are looking for applicants who are confident in working with children and young people in sometimes difficult situations, their carers, birth parents, and other professionals. You will have knowledge of therapeutic parenting or a willingness to learn about this style of parenting, and be able to offer proactive support and reflection regarding children’s presentation and behaviours linking to attachment, secure base and trauma-related theory.
Our commitment to you is a competitive package, outstanding support from experienced managers, a manageable workload, regular supervision, quality training and the opportunity to build on your strengths and develop your skills. Ofsted published the recent inspection report, and Salford’s Children’s Services has been rated overall as ‘Good’, with some areas rated as ‘Outstanding’ for care leaver support and leadership.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you have lived or worked abroad for extended periods, refer to the guidance for Certificates of Good Character.
SGO – Co Ordinator Social Worker in Swinton employer: Salford Council
Join our dedicated team at the Salford Fostering Service, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers Social Workers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With access to comprehensive training, regular supervision, and a manageable workload, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a friendly environment that values your contributions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recent 'Good' rating from Ofsted, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to thrive in their social work careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SGO – Co Ordinator Social Worker in Swinton
✨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 Salford 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 Salford 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 Salford 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 Salford 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 SGO – Co Ordinator Social Worker in Swinton
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 Salford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford 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 Salford 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.
