At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social work services for children and families, ensuring their safety and welfare.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on safeguarding children and promoting family well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real impact in the community.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organization that values collaboration and supports your growth.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant social work qualifications and experience in child protection.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor new social workers and lead specialized projects.
Job Purpose * To act as a senior specialist member of a social work unit providing effective outstanding or excellent social work services to children and their families, with the purpose of safeguarding and promoting their welfare. * To discharge the Authority’s responsibilities under the Children Acts 1989 & 2004 and other relevant legislation in respect of; children in need, children in need of protection and those in the care of the Local Authority. * All post-holders are expected to maintain professional standards of practice and to work in accordance with Social Work England standards and the Division’s values, strategic objectives, procedures, and managerial guidance. Specific Accountabilities of the Role * To hold complex family proceedings and or children deemed to be at high risk of significant harm. The Senior worker will be expected to demonstrate the ability to record to a high standard capturing the voice of the child, show evidence of analysis and reflection throughout. * To act as lead practice educator for the social work unit by providing support and advice and offer shadowing opportunities to Student Social Workers, Newly Qualified Social Workers subject to Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and family support practitioners OR lead on an area of specialism such as advanced court work skills.. * To share specialist social work knowledge and research across the social work unit. * To ensure the provision of a comprehensive induction for all new staff * To ensure that services are efficiently and effectively provided, liaising as necessary with other Council Divisions, Health, Education, Police, voluntary and independent sector providers. * Working within the London Child Protection procedures to undertake key work responsibilities for children subject to a child protection plan. * To work collaboratively with other Council Divisions, Statutory Agencies including health, Education and Police, and other independent and voluntary service providers. * To promote timely permanency planning for children in care in accordance with the Adoption Act 2002 where applicable * Undertaking responsibilities towards children in care of the authority, including: 1. i) Formulating and progressing care plans in line with national and local procedures. 2. ii) Ensuring that the health and education needs of all children in care are met in accordance with National Standards. 3. iii) Ensuring that all procedural requirements with respect to reviewing, consultation and recording are adhered to. * In conjunction with the Practice Managers and Senior Team Manager, to maintain performance standards in line with Division expectation and national guidance, and to alert Practice Managers of any concerns in relation to staff performance. * To support the development of systemic practice across the Children’s Social Care Divisions
Senior Social Worker employer: Social Personnel
Contact Detail:
Social Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Children Acts 1989 & 2004 and other relevant legislation. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in handling complex family proceedings and working with high-risk cases. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to capture the voice of the child and reflect on your practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience mentoring or supporting newly qualified social workers or students. This will align with our expectation for the role to act as a lead practice educator.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your collaborative approach by sharing examples of how you've worked with various agencies, such as health, education, and police. This is crucial for ensuring effective service provision and achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the specific responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Social Worker. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in safeguarding children, working with families in complex situations, and any leadership roles you've held. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the job's requirements.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your skills in analysis, reflection, and communication. Provide examples of how you've effectively recorded cases and captured the voice of the child in your previous roles.
Professional Standards: Mention your commitment to maintaining professional standards and adherence to Social Work England standards. This shows that you are serious about your role and understand the importance of compliance in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Personnel
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Highlight specific cases where you demonstrated your ability to safeguard and promote welfare, as well as any complex family proceedings you've handled.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarize yourself with the Children Acts 1989 & 2004 and other relevant legislation. Be ready to explain how you have applied these laws in your practice and how they guide your decision-making process.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including health, education, and police services. Share examples of how you have successfully liaised with other agencies to provide comprehensive support for children and families.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-risk situations. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care.