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- Tasks: Support children in care by creating and managing care plans.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 3+ years of experience.
- Other info: Initial contract of 3-6 months with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 50400 - 72000 £ per year.
Essex County Council | Locum | £36 per hour | Hybrid Working Essex County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team. This role focuses on supporting children and young people in care, ensuring they receive stable placements, effective care planning, and positive long-term outcomes. You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to promote stability, permanency, and wellbeing for looked after children. In this role, you will: Manage a caseload of Looked After Children Undertake statutory visits and ensure compliance with care planning requirements Develop and progress permanence plans including reunification, long-term fostering, SGO, or adoption Prepare reports for LAC reviews, court, and permanency planning meetings Work closely with foster carers, residential settings, and partner agencies Support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, and wellbeing Maintain accurate and analytical case recordings What You’ll Need: Social Work England Registration Social Work Qualification At least 3 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care Experience working within a Children in Care / Looked After Children team Strong understanding of care planning and permanency processes Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills Why Sheldon Phillips? Because we actually listen to what you need. We’re not just here to fill roles—we’re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That’s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers. If you want to know more about this Social Worker – Children in Care role in Essex, give Ellis Russell a call on (phone number removed) – let’s have a chat! And don’t forget – if you refer a friend and we place them, you’ll get £300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply)
Social Worker – Children in Care employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Children in Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's approach to social work, particularly their relationship-based and trauma-informed practices. Understanding their values will help you align your experience and demonstrate how you can contribute to their child-centred service.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Children in Care Team at Portsmouth City Council. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases from your past experience that highlight your skills in care planning and safeguarding. Be ready to explain how you built relationships with children and carers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability by discussing your experience in hybrid working environments. Highlight any tools or strategies you've used to maintain effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and partner agencies while working remotely.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Social Worker, particularly with looked after children. Emphasise your qualifications, skills in care planning, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to make a positive impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with children in care. Discuss your approach to building relationships and how you align with Portsmouth City Council's trauma-informed practice. Be sure to mention your understanding of the key duties outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your past work with children in care. Highlight your experience in managing caseloads, conducting statutory visits, and collaborating with partner agencies to illustrate your capability for this role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Children in Care Team. Familiarise yourself with care planning, safeguarding, and the specific needs of looked after children to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children in care. Highlight specific cases where you made a positive impact, focusing on your ability to build relationships and deliver effective care plans.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Portsmouth City Council values collaboration with partner agencies. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team, showcasing your communication skills and ability to provide wraparound support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about how you would handle various situations involving children in care, ensuring your answers reflect a trauma-informed approach.