At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide professional social work services to support families and children in need.
- Company: Join Shetland Islands Council, dedicated to community welfare and development.
- Benefits: Career progression opportunities, fully funded qualifications, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Experience the beauty of Shetland while enjoying a great work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for social work and commitment to helping vulnerable families.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The purpose of the job is to provide a professional social work service as part of an operational team, based in Children’s Resources - Family Placement.
This vacancy is being advertised as a Career Graded post, which is a career development opportunity. This means that the Council is committed to supporting the successful candidate to obtain the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge to become fully competent in the role.
The successful candidate will be supported to become fully competent in the role and progress through the career grade. Where there is a requirement to achieve a qualification, this will be fully funded by the Council.
More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.
- The grade of this post is J/K.
- This post is career graded - your salary and career progression will depend on your experience and qualifications.
- Salary shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £2,997 per annum (pro rata).
- Temporary Full Time post for 37.0 Hours per Week, 52.18 weeks per year.
- Temporary contract for a period of approximately 2 years.
- Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
- The successful candidate will have to complete registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) when they begin in post.
- A relocation package does not apply to this post.
- We will pay interview expenses from within Shetland.
- You must have the ability to travel throughout Shetland at short notice and where public transport is limited.
- We are happy to talk flexible working.
During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.
This post is based at Hayfield House, Lerwick, Shetland.
For further details relating to this post, please contact: Elaine Guest, Senior Social Worker/Registered Manager, Tel - 07840 004 801, Email - elaine.guest@shetland.gov.uk.
If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.
Information about Shetland: Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you'll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland's impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Placement Team - Hayfield House - SIC08855 in Scotland
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Shetland Islands Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Placement Team - Hayfield House - SIC08855 in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Shetland Islands Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Shetland Islands Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shetland Islands Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Shetland Islands Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker - Family Placement Team - Hayfield House - SIC08855 role at Shetland Islands Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Shetland Islands Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
