At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring their safety and wellbeing through effective social work.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, a supportive and diverse team dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and a £3,000 recruitment payment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's services and supervision skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are seeking experienced Social Workers to join our South Gloucestershire Council team, focusing on Child Protection, Children in Need and the initial stages of Children in Care. The role involves statutory social work within Public Law Outline and Care Proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Provide information, advice and support to children, young people, families and carers.
- Safeguard vulnerable children and young people, assess need, develop plans and provide appropriate services.
- Review plans regularly to ensure outcomes are achieved.
- Ensure well‑planned, integrated and coordinated services for child‑centred outcomes.
- Travel within the authority and surrounding areas as required.
- Maintain a full DBS check and enhanced DBS approval.
- Provide supervision or mentoring to social workers or support staff.
- Use strategic critical thinking to manage and advise on risk.
Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker with registration to practice with Social Work England (SWE).
- Successfully completed ASYE (qualifying since 2012) and have substantial post‑qualifying experience in a children’s services role.
- Substantial first‑hand experience in a relevant children’s social care team.
- Experience of supervising or mentoring social workers or support staff.
- Full, valid driving licence with access to a vehicle for business use, or suitable alternative means of travel.
Employment Details
- Location: South Locality Hub in Kingswood.
- Full‑time position with flexibility for part‑time, job‑share or flexible arrangements.
- Permanent contract after successful probation.
- Gross lump sum recruitment payment of £3,000 pro‑rata upon successful completion of probation.
- Retention payment of £3,000 pro‑rata for two years’ service (subject to eligibility).
- Participation in the Assess and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave (pro‑rata).
- Employee wellbeing support.
- Access to staff discounts (eye tests, travel, shopping, leisure).
- Training and development programmes including a systemic practice academy, clinical supervision, early intervention partnership capacity, specialist trauma support and an in‑house psychologist.
- Career development and secondment opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Realistic caseloads and manageability.
- Commitment to excellence and supportive management.
Equal Opportunities
We recognise that a diverse team of skilled and dedicated people makes us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of merit and ability. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring all staff receive the right skills, knowledge and support.
Senior Social Worker - Children's South Locality in Tadworth employer: South Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council is an exceptional employer for Senior Social Workers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to career growth through training programmes and mentorship opportunities, our team is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable children while ensuring manageable caseloads. Located in Kingswood, we foster a diverse and inclusive environment where every staff member can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Children's South Locality in Tadworth
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council.
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council!
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council, 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 South Gloucestershire Council 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 Senior Social Worker - Children's South Locality in Tadworth
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 South Gloucestershire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Gloucestershire Council! 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 South Gloucestershire Council
✨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.
