Social Work Assistant

Social Work Assistant

Over Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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South Gloucestershire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and families to create positive change and ensure their safety.
  • Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, dedicated to building strong communities.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, staff discounts, and flexible work arrangements.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: GCSE level education and experience in children and families services required.
  • Other info: Strong training opportunities and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Overview

How You\\\’ll Make a Difference
As a Social Work Assistant, you\\\’ll be supporting children and their families to make a positive change, making a real difference for vulnerable local families and their children. You will give children a voice, working with them to express their wishes, thoughts and feelings whilst delivering support with a focus on what will make the biggest difference.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Daily, you will be supervising contact during family time and challenging parents, ensuring the safety of the child.
  • Working under the direction of Social Workers, you will contribute to and review plans and services to improve intervention ideas.
  • Referring issues if needed in accordance with safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable people, and maintaining confidential reports to professional and council guidelines.
  • Work directly with children and their parents, which could include family support and performing defined pieces of work under the direction of a qualified Social Worker.
  • Liaise and work with Social Workers and external contacts such as education services and health agencies to ensure effective communication.

What We Need From You

  • Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with considerable experience of working in a children and families service, including assessment, service provision and experience of preparing written records and reports.
  • Awareness and experience of dynamic risk assessment and the ability to take appropriate action as a result of identified risks.
  • Ideally, experience and/or knowledge of child protection issues.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

What You Need To Know

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement of employment for this post.
  • Travel throughout the authority and surrounding area is expected; you must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or an alternative means of travel.
  • Business insurance must be included in your current car insurance policy.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

How a Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different

  • Generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and access to staff discounts including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
  • We welcome applications from everyone and promote selection, promotion and development on merit and abilities.
  • Flexible work arrangements to help achieve work/life balance.
  • Strong training and development opportunities to support long-term impact in work.
  • We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring staff have the right skills and support to respond to potential abuse or neglect.

We’re building and shaping communities we are proud of and are committed to helping vulnerable people achieve what they want in life. We encourage applications from talented and dedicated people to continue making a difference.

To view the full job description, please click this link: Social Work Assistant – Children\\\’s Social Care

Additional Details

  • Seniority level: Entry level
  • Employment type: Full-time
  • Job function: Other
  • Industries: Government Administration

Patchway, England, United Kingdom; South Gloucestershire Council is an equal opportunities employer. This job posting may reflect local recruitment needs and may not be available in all locations.

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Social Work Assistant employer: South Gloucestershire Council

At South Gloucestershire Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters employee wellbeing and offers generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and robust training opportunities, ensuring that our Social Work Assistants can thrive while making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families. Join us in shaping communities and empowering individuals, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a collaborative and inclusive environment in Patchway.
South Gloucestershire Council

Contact Detail:

South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interviews by researching common questions for Social Work Assistants. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported children and families in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from dedicated individuals who want to make a positive impact in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant

Communication Skills
Child Protection Knowledge
Dynamic Risk Assessment
Report Writing
Confidentiality Management
Family Support
Collaboration with Social Workers
Understanding of Legislation and Regulations
Supervision Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Empathy
Adaptability
Experience in Children and Families Services
Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and families. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Social Work Assistant, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for supporting vulnerable families shines through in your words.

Showcase Your Understanding of Safeguarding: Since safeguarding is a big part of this role, include any relevant knowledge or experience you have in this area. We’re looking for candidates who understand the importance of protecting children and can demonstrate their commitment to it.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and child protection issues before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant, as well as the specific needs of children and families in your area. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the impact it has.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children and families. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference or handled challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills effectively.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems in place for staff, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.

✨Be Yourself

Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work as a Social Work Assistant and how you connect with the mission of supporting vulnerable families. Let your passion shine through, as this can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.

Social Work Assistant
South Gloucestershire Council
Location: Over
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