At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through legal interventions and care planning.
- Company: Join Hillingdon's Outstanding Court Team, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced in Children’s Social Care with strong assessment and supervision skills.
- Other info: Be part of a high-functioning team with excellent growth opportunities.
Hillingdon | Permanent | Full Time | 36 Hours Per Week
Salary: £48,003 – £52,194 per annum
About the Role
Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to make a real impact on children’s lives? Join the Court Team at Hillingdon, recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and be part of a specialist service supporting children and families through legal interventions, care planning, and permanency arrangements. You will play a key role in preparing assessments, care plans, and court reports, ensuring children have the best chance to thrive in safe and stable homes. The team also leads on Permanency Planning, supporting children into their forever families, and provides expert input into complex cases before the courts. This is a unique opportunity to work in a high-functioning, specialist team where your expertise will be valued and your work will make a lasting difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload of children and families involved in care proceedings
- Provide expert advice and supervision to 3–6 Social Workers
- Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony in Care or Private Order proceedings
- Chair professional meetings and participate in inter-agency panels
- Undertake assessments, develop care plans, and support permanency planning
- Promote reflective practice, professional development, and high standards across the team
- Ensure compliance with legislation, guidance, and the Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework
About You
- Experienced in Children’s Social Care, ideally in court proceedings or safeguarding
- Skilled in assessment, care planning, and intervention frameworks
- Confident in supervising other Social Workers and providing reflective support
- Able to build strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, and multi-agency partners
- Motivated, innovative, and proactive in achieving the best outcomes for children and families
Benefits
- Hybrid working opportunities for a better work-life balance
- Generous annual leave, increasing with service
- Flexible working hours
- Access to Hillingdon Sports & Leisure discounts
- Salary sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, electric vehicles, pensions)
- Local Government Pension Scheme & Credit Union membership
- 24/7 Mental Health Support and Counselling services
- Season ticket loans and free parking
- Vivup benefits with a variety of offers and discounts
This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Social Worker to join a recognised Outstanding Court Team, shaping the future of children’s social care in Hillingdon.
Permanent Senior Social Worker – Court Team employer: Social Personnel
Contact Detail:
Social Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Permanent Senior Social Worker – Court Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into the Court Team at Hillingdon. A friendly chat can open doors and give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in children's social care. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for making a difference in children's lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to court proceedings and safeguarding. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Permanent Senior Social Worker – Court Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Social Worker role. Highlight your experience in children's social care, especially in court proceedings, and showcase how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your expertise in assessments, care planning, and supervising other Social Workers. We want to see how you can contribute to our high-functioning team and make a real impact on children’s lives.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value motivated and innovative individuals, so share your passion for social work and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's social care, especially around court proceedings and safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and frameworks relevant to the role, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in assessment, care planning, and supervising other Social Workers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your ability to build strong relationships by being personable and engaging. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can work well with children, families, and multi-agency partners, so let your interpersonal skills shine!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Court Team's approach to permanency planning and how they support their Social Workers. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the team is the right fit for you.