At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through comprehensive casework in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Southend City Council, rated 'Good' by OFSTED, with a positive work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; on-site presence required at least 3 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and experience in children's frontline services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Children Services - OFSTED RATING 2024 – GOOD
“Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend. They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work.”
“Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support.”
“The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families.”
“Leaders understand their local communities and have used this knowledge strategically and effectively to meet children’s needs.”
Our vision is A Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as a Social Worker, you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that:
- All paths lead back to the child.
- We spend time getting to know each child and their story.
- We do what we say we’re going to do.
- We work with the whole family.
- No matter what, we aim to make things better.
You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer that has been designed by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focusing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager.
Your new role
Southend‑on‑Sea City Council are looking for a permanent Social Worker to provide professional and comprehensive casework to a caseload of children and young people within the busy Family Support & Protection Team.
This position attracts the added incentive of a one‑off payment of £7,500, after you have been employed in this post for 3 years and 1 day.
You are required to provide professional and comprehensive casework to a caseload (averaging 12) of children and young people within the long‑term children’s social work teams. You will be developing and maintaining relationships with children and families who require longer‑term social work intervention, including those subject to child protection plans, complex child in need, PLO/Pre Proceedings.
Acting as the duty worker, you will respond to queries and issues on all cases currently being managed by the team. Prepare and submit written reports as and when required, including statements and care plans for care proceedings in Family Proceedings, County and High Courts.
You need to provide an efficient and cost‑effective service to children, young people and their families, ensuring that the needs of the children and their parents/carers are professionally assessed. Investigate, evaluate and analyse information on cases, demonstrating clarity of assessment, reliability of information, evidence conclusions and realistic action plans.
The quality of practice will be supported by regular supervision; training opportunities, tools and resources are readily available to assist in the day‑to‑day work. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on‑site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, you must have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE. You need to have previous experience of working within Children’s Frontline services and have knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated child in need social work practice is essential, along with knowledge of restorative practice of social work intervention. A driving licence and use of a car is essential for this position.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave
- flexible working
- excellent training and development opportunities
They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
Additional information
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103860 - Social Worker - Family Support and Protection Team - Permanent employer: South End City Council
Southend City Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where the focus is on making a real difference in the lives of children and families. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, a commitment to restorative practice, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being, you will thrive in a culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. Located in Southend-on-Sea, you'll enjoy a vibrant community that enhances both your personal and professional life, making it not just a place to work, but a place to call home.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103860 - Social Worker - Family Support and Protection Team - Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Southend City Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Social Worker role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to social work. Think about how you would apply restorative practice in real-life scenarios. We want to see your passion for making a difference, so be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of the local community during your interview. Familiarise yourself with Southend's demographics and challenges. This will demonstrate that you understand the context in which you'll be working and that you're committed to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the vision of a Southend where all children achieve success.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103860 - Social Worker - Family Support and Protection Team - Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Talk about why you want to work with children and families, and how you can contribute to our vision of a Southend where all children achieve success.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in children's frontline services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of child protection and restorative practice, as these are key to the role we're looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complex wording.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection and restorative practice. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and families in Southend, as this will show your commitment to understanding their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in frontline services. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex cases and built relationships with families, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you’ve worked effectively with colleagues or other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the council's vision for child welfare. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
