At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive social work team in the Scottish Borders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values children's rights and dignity.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 3 in Social Services or equivalent, plus experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 25972 - 28497 € per year.
Grade: 7A
Hourly Rate: £17.78 - £19.51
Salary: £25972.06 - £28497.85 per annum
Contract Duration: Permanent
Hours: 28
Role Purpose
We are a statutory Children and Families Social Work Team based in the west of the Scottish Borders, and we pride ourselves on being a supportive, friendly and genuinely welcoming group of social workers and social work assistants. We are enthusiastic about the work we do and the support we provide, and we value colleagues who share that same commitment. This Social Work Assistant post offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who is motivated to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families.
We are looking for individuals who bring a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to children’s rights and dignity, and a natural ability to connect with people. Someone who approaches challenges with enthusiasm, maintains perspective with a grounded sense of humour, and contributes positively to a team environment will thrive with us. The role suits a person who can stay calm under pressure, express their views with confidence, and bring fresh ideas and creativity to their practice. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to consider joining our team.
Essential
- SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People), HNC in Social Care, or equivalent relevant qualification (or willingness to work towards this within an agreed timescale).
- Experience of working directly with children, young people and families, particularly those experiencing vulnerability or complex needs.
- Understanding of child development and the factors that impact children’s wellbeing and safety.
- Knowledge of child protection processes and statutory social work responsibilities within Scotland.
- Experience of working within multi-agency environments.
- Ability to build effective, professional relationships with children, young people and families.
- Experience of completing written records.
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise workload and work both independently and as part of a team.
- A full and 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.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to Lesley McLean at lesley.mclean@scotborders.gov.uk
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.
Social Work Assistant - Galashiels Office - SBO09806 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for Social Work Assistants in the Galashiels area. With a strong commitment to employee growth and diversity, the council provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with children and families, ensuring that staff feel valued and empowered to make a positive impact. The team culture fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about social work to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Galashiels Office - SBO09806
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the social work field, especially those at Scottish Borders Council. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to social work. Think about your experiences with children and families, and how you can demonstrate your commitment to their rights and dignity.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your enthusiasm and sense of humour shine through. We want to see how you connect with people and handle challenges with a positive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant - Galashiels Office - SBO09806
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Social Work Assistant. We want to see your passion for making a difference in children's lives, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with children, young people, and families, especially those facing challenges. We love seeing examples of how you've made an impact in similar settings.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value a grounded sense of humour and enthusiasm, so don’t be afraid to express your genuine self in your application. It helps us get to know you better.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures we receive all the necessary information to consider you for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on child development and the factors affecting children's wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with child protection processes and statutory responsibilities in Scotland. This knowledge will show that you're serious about the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to children's rights and dignity. This will help the interviewers see your genuine motivation to join their supportive team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Prepare to talk about how you've handled challenging situations in the past, especially when working with vulnerable children and families. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a positive attitude, which is key for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, support available for new staff, or how they approach multi-agency work. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
