At a Glance
- Tasks: Support child protection policy development and improve practices for children's welfare.
- Company: Social Work Scotland, dedicated to enhancing social work for children and families.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact on national child protection initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative change in child protection and children's rights.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in policy development and implementation.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
We are excited to be recruiting to our Protecting Children Policy and Practice Advisor Post.
With funding provided by Scottish Government, this post plays a key role in supporting statutory social work to develop and strengthen national policy and practice in relation to child protection and the protection of children and young people.
This includes contributing to implementation and continuous improvement activity associated with the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland, Keeping the Promise, UNCRC incorporation, Bairns' Hoose, Joint Investigative Interviewing and other key national reform programmes.
This post facilitates links between professional leadership, the Scottish Government and Child Protection Committees Scotland.
It supports Social Work Scotland's contribution to the national protection agenda, including Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, the Interagency Referral Discussions project, Joint Investigative Interviewing reform, Bairns' Hoose implementation and the Age of Criminal Responsibility work plans.
The post also contributes to wider national developments relating to child protection practice, children's rights, and implementation of key policy and reform programmes including the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland and Keeping The Promise.
Working in partnership with local social work Child Protection leads, the Scottish Government Child Protection Social Work Professional Advisor and colleagues in COSLA, the National Social Work Agency and CELCIS, the post provides both capacity and leadership at the national level.
Reporting to our Children and Families Policy and Practice Lead, with direction from our Chief Social Work Officer Group, Children and Families Standing Committee, and Child Protection Sub-Group, the post holder has the opportunity to make a unique contribution around the value of social work in the provision of holistic support for children and families.
The postholder will work collaboratively across Social Work Scotland's wider policy, practice, and improvement activity, including alongside colleagues supporting Joint Investigative Interviewing, Interagency Referral Discussions and other national programmes.
At the core of Social Work Scotland is a commitment to assisting the profession to be the best it can be for the individuals, families and communities who need social work or social care support; the Protecting Children Policy and Practice Advisor role assists us to deliver on that commitment.
Applicants should have experience of policy development and implementation and be confident operating at a national level.
We are looking for an individual who can work independently yet as an integral part of the team, bring a collaborative approach to work with partners, and with an ability to identify issues, articulate workable solutions, and build consensus; all with a view to social work values and principles.
The post holder will be a qualified and registered social worker with significant experience in children and families' social work.
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Protecting Children Policy and Practice Advisor - 482152 employer: Social Work Scotland
At Social Work Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the professional growth and well-being of our staff. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, allowing employees to make a meaningful impact on child protection policies and practices across Scotland. With strong support for continuous development and a commitment to social work values, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital national reforms while working alongside passionate professionals in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Protecting Children Policy and Practice Advisor - 482152
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Social Work Scotland.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Social Work Scotland!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Social Work Scotland, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Social Work Scotland or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Protecting Children Policy and Practice Advisor - 482152
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Social Work Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Social Work Scotland! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Work Scotland
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
