At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality social work services to children and families, ensuring their wellbeing.
- Company: Join the Scottish Borders Council, a supportive and dedicated team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and support in a trauma-informed approach.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker registered with SSSC; newly-qualified applicants are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 26.72 - 26.72 £ per hour.
Scottish Borders Council is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic Social Worker to join our Children & Families Long-Term Team West, based within Peebles and the wider Scottish Borders area. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a professional, dedicated and supportive team committed to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Accountable to the Team Leader, the post holder will provide high-quality social work services to children, young people and families, ensuring assessments, planning and interventions are undertaken in line with statutory responsibilities, national guidance, and Council policies and procedures. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload, build effective relationships with children and families, contribute to multi-agency planning, and work collaboratively with partner agencies to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children and young people.
The post holder will be expected to undertake assessments, develop outcome-focused plans, participate in child protection and looked after children processes, and contribute to permanence planning where required. They will represent the Council at a range of multi-agency meetings and forums, promoting the best interests of children and families in all aspects of their work.
This post requires the applicant to be a qualified Social Worker (we also welcome applications from newly-qualified Social Workers and those who are qualifying) registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
The service firmly believes in the power of strengths-based, trauma-informed social work. Team members will be supported to develop an understanding of the impact of childhood and adult trauma, and to work effectively with children, young people and families where trauma, adversity, attachment difficulties or compromised parenting capacity may be present.
The successful candidate will benefit from a clear training framework, opportunities for professional development and further study, alongside regular supervision and support within a collaborative and reflective team environment.
- Essential
- Professional Social Work qualification.
- Registration with SSSC.
- A current driving licence and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement of this post.
If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.
Type of drivers licence: Category B.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding (Permanent) in Peebles employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Eyemouth where you can make a meaningful impact on your community. With a commitment to employee growth and diversity, the council provides opportunities for professional development and values the contributions of all staff members. Join a dedicated team that prioritises compassion and professionalism while delivering essential services during significant life moments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding (Permanent) in Peebles
✨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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding (Permanent) in Peebles
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 Scottish Borders Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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.
