At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist Social Workers in providing urgent support to individuals and families in crisis.
- Company: Join South Lanarkshire Council's Emergency Social Work Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in social care and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 24314 £ per year.
Location: Pollock Avenue, Hamilton
Hours: 17.5 hrs per week, permanent
Work Pattern: as per advert
Salary / Hourly Rate: £23,805 - £24,314
Closing date: Applications must be received by 17 June 2026 at 11:55pm
About The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for part time Social Work Assistants to join Emergency Social Work Services (ESWS). South Lanarkshire Council’s ESWS has operated since 31 March 2009 and delivers essential out of hours support 365 days a year. The service provides responsive, timely and consistent interventions to individuals and families across South Lanarkshire who require urgent social work assistance.
Social Work Assistants will work within a three‑week shift rota, including weekends and public holidays. You will contribute to the delivery of high quality social work support during the out of hours period, assisting the Team Leader and Operations Manager to respond to varying levels of referrals and crisis situations. This role plays an important part in maintaining strong communication and continuity between ESWS and daytime locality Social Work teams.
What will you be doing?
- Assisting qualified Social Workers with gathering information, completing initial assessments, and supporting decision making during urgent referrals.
- Providing practical support and intervention to individuals, families and vulnerable groups to promote their immediate safety and wellbeing.
- Contributing to partnership working with key agencies including Police Scotland, Health services, and other relevant partners.
- Supporting clear communication and accurate information sharing between ESWS and daytime Social Work teams.
- Maintaining high quality case notes and ensuring all actions are recorded in line with service procedures.
- Prioritising workload effectively in a fast paced environment and supporting colleagues during periods of high service demand.
- Approaching situations with a compassionate, calm and organised mindset, and responding appropriately to a wide range of circumstances.
Shift Patterns and Timings
Team 3 – 17.5 hours per week, rotated over three weeks.
- Week 1: Thursday 16:30–01:45, Friday 16:30–01:45.
- Week 2: Saturday 16:45–01:45, Sunday 16:45–01:45.
- Week 3: Saturday 07:30–17:00, Sunday 07:30–17:00.
About You
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience working within a social care or social work setting.
- Demonstrate a commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities with dignity and respect.
- Have experience working collaboratively as part of a team, ideally within a care, support or public protection environment.
- Be able to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Show flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work within a shift pattern that includes evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
Legislative Information
This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003. This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with Children and Adults. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusion Statement
The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under‑represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care‑experienced background, who are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position. As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award‑winning local government pension scheme
- Opportunity to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme to increase pension value
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Up to 10 public holiday days
- Occupational sick pay
- Family‑friendly policies – flexible working, leave, maternity/paternity leave and enhanced leave options
- Employee discounts, including cinema discounts
- Support schemes: Cycle to Work, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program offering practical and emotional support
SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) in Bothwell employer: South Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Social Work Assistant in Hamilton, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to an award-winning pension scheme, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through vital social work services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) in Bothwell
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like South Lanarkshire Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at South Lanarkshire Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through South Lanarkshire Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) in Bothwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at South Lanarkshire Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at South Lanarkshire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with South Lanarkshire Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) at South Lanarkshire Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show South Lanarkshire Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) role.
