At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care to achieve positive outcomes and ensure their voices are heard.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, a supportive and stable team environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, manageable caseloads, and access to training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with experienced leadership and strong multi-agency collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children in Care, strong communication skills, and a recognised Social Work qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Milton Keynes City Council is looking for an experienced Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team, supporting children and young people to achieve positive, stable outcomes. This is a rewarding and impactful role, where you will act as a corporate parent to children in care, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are central to decision‑making. Hybrid: Up to 2 days working from home.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of children in care, ensuring all statutory responsibilities are met.
- Undertake children and family assessments and maintain up-to-date care plans.
- Chair multi‑agency meetings and collaborate across services to deliver joined‑up support.
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to all planning and decision‑making.
- Carry out direct work with children, including contributing to life story work where appropriate.
- Support placement stability and positive outcomes through effective planning and intervention.
- Contribute to the development of the team, sharing knowledge and best practice.
Experience & Skills
- Recent experience within Children in Care (essential).
- Adoption experience and have held a CIC‑focused role.
- Confident managing complex caseloads and care planning.
- Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.
- Committed to child‑centred practice and achieving positive outcomes.
- Recognised Social Work qualification and registered with Social Work England.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel locally and occasionally further afield.
Why Join Milton Keynes?
- Supportive and stable team structure with experienced permanent leadership.
- Manageable caseloads (typically up to 18 children).
- Strong multi‑agency working with dedicated health and education partners.
- Access to training and development opportunities for locum staff.
- Flexible hybrid working options.
If you are an experienced CIC Social Worker looking to join a stable, supportive team where you can make a real difference to children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
Social Worker - Children in Care employer: Schools Choice
Milton Keynes City Council is an excellent employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and stable team environment with experienced leadership. With manageable caseloads and strong multi-agency collaboration, employees can focus on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children in care. The council also provides access to training and development opportunities, along with flexible hybrid working options, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children in Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with children in care. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child-centred practices and statutory responsibilities. We want you to showcase your passion for making a difference, so think of examples from your past roles that highlight your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Milton Keynes City Council! Understanding their values and how they support children in care will help you tailor your responses during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our supportive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children in care. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing complex caseloads and your commitment to child-centred practice.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong relationship-building is key in this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your communication skills in your written application. Share instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with multi-agency teams or engaged with children and families.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be upfront about your recent experience within Children in Care. If you have adoption experience or have held a CIC-focused role, make sure to mention it clearly, as it’s essential for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity to make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools Choice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children in care and the specific responsibilities that come with the role. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your recent experiences in similar roles, especially any work you've done with complex caseloads or multi-agency collaboration. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've made a positive impact on children's lives, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Practice
Be ready to talk about how you ensure the voice of the child is central to your practice. Share examples of how you've involved children in decision-making processes and how you've tailored your approach to meet their unique needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and training opportunities available. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and working style.
