At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through safeguarding and intervention plans.
- Company: Dynamic social work team across Northamptonshire with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, bonuses, flexible working, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to best practices in social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in need.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in court work and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
Our support and safeguarding teams are nurturing and supportive with their own unique identities. They cover a large, diverse county with several offices across Northamptonshire including Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. These teams support children and young people who are subject to a Child Protection Plan, Child in Need plan and, where appropriate, court proceedings. This type of social work often takes place over several months and involves regular visits with families.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of children subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans
- Undertake comprehensive assessments, including risk analysis and safeguarding concerns
- Develop, implement, and review outcome-focused care and intervention plans
- Carry out regular statutory visits to children and families
- Lead on court work, including preparing reports and attending hearings
- Work in partnership with multi-agency professionals to safeguard children
- Participate in strategy discussions, core groups, and child protection conferences
- Ensure all case recordings and reports are high quality and completed within timescales
- Support families in crisis with targeted interventions to improve outcomes
- Maintain a strong focus on achieving permanence and stability for children
About You
- Qualified, registered Social Worker with completed ASYE
- Experienced in court work and confident attending hearings independently
- Passionate about delivering best practice and supporting children, young people, and families
- Strong communicator with the ability to build positive relationships
- Skilled in analysis and decision-making to deliver purposeful social care
Benefits
- Social Work England Registration paid annually
- £6,000 Recruitment Welcome Bonus
- Relocation support up to £8,000
- Retention bonus payments
- 28 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays and 5 extra days after 5 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover and ill-health protection
- Option to purchase up to 25 additional leave days
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support)
- Discounts with local and national retailers
- Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements
- Enhanced maternity benefits
- Subsidised town centre parking
- Extensive learning and career development opportunities
If you thrive on making a difference and have social work experience, this could be the role for you - we would love to hear from you.
Social Worker- Family Safeguarding employer: Schools Choice
As a Social Worker in our Family Safeguarding teams, you will join a nurturing and supportive environment that values your contributions and offers extensive learning and career development opportunities. With a competitive benefits package including a £6,000 Recruitment Welcome Bonus, relocation support, and flexible working arrangements, we are committed to ensuring your well-being and professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families across Northamptonshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker- Family Safeguarding
✨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 Schools Choice.
✨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 Schools Choice!
✨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 Schools Choice, 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 Schools Choice 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- Family Safeguarding
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 Schools Choice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Schools Choice! 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 Schools Choice
✨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.
