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- Tasks: Support social workers in urgent situations and provide practical help to families in need.
- Company: Join South Lanarkshire Council's dedicated Emergency Social Work Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in social care and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 49000 ÂŁ per year.
Internal applicants MUST apply via Opportunity Marketplace. Please ensure you complete your SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS via “Me” tab/tile on Fusion or by clicking on the application link in the section of the application form titled “REVIEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS”. ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 12 April 2026 at 11:59pm.
Location: Pollock Avenue, Hamilton
Hours: 2 x 35hrs per week, permanent, 1 x 17.5hrs per week, permanent
Work Pattern: as per advert
Salary / Hourly Rate: ÂŁ18.34 - ÂŁ23.65 per hour
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two full time, and two 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?
As a Social Work Assistant, you will be part of a well established and experienced Social Work team delivering essential out of hours support. Your responsibilities will include:
- 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.
- This role requires a compassionate, calm and organised approach, with the ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of situations.
About You
The successful candidate should:
- 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.
The shift patterns and timings for the 3 positions are as follows:
Team 1 – 35 hours
- Week 1 Monday - 08:00-16:45
- Wednesday - 16:30-01:45
- Saturday - 16:30-01:45
- Sunday - 16:30-01:45
- Week 2 Monday - 16:30-01:45
- Tuesday - 16:30-01:45
- Saturday - 07:30-17:00
- Sunday - 07:30-17:00
- Week 3 Monday - 08:00-16:45
- Wednesday - 16:30-01:45
- Thursday - 16:30-01:45
- Friday - 16:00-01:45
- Public Holiday Monday - 07:30-17:00
Team 2 – 35 hours
- Week 1 Monday - 16:30-01:45
- Tuesday - 16:30-01:45
- Saturday - 07:30-17:00
- Sunday - 07:30-17:00
- Week 2 Monday - 08:00-16:15
- Wednesday - 16:30-01:45
- Thursday - 16:30-01:45
- Friday - 16:00-01:45
- Week 3 Monday - 16:30-01:45
- Tuesday - 16:30-01:45
- Saturday - 16:30-01:45
- Sunday - 16:30-01:45
- Public Holiday Monday – 07:30-1700
Team 3 – 17.5 hours
- 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
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents. Please Apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
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.
Overseas Criminal Records Check
An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusion statement
The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, 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
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
- Occupational sick pay
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. To be considered for this vacancy you must complete the application form. All CV submissions will be disregarded.
SWRK 4197 - Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4197-451318558 employer: South Lanarkshire
Contact Detail:
South Lanarkshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 4197 - Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4197-451318558
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you know the ins and outs of the application process. Since internal applicants need to apply via the Opportunity Marketplace, get familiar with that platform. It’s all about showing you’re proactive and ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t forget to complete your skills and qualifications on Fusion! This is crucial for standing out. Take a moment to really showcase what you bring to the table – it could be the difference between getting an interview or not.
✨Tip Number 3
Networking is key! Reach out to current employees or those in similar roles. They can give you insider tips on what the team values most and how to tailor your approach. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t hesitate to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Remember, every detail counts, so make sure you follow all instructions carefully to avoid any hiccups.
We think you need these skills to ace SWRK 4197 - Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4197-451318558
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what being a Social Work Assistant involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in social care or social work settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support individuals and families, as well as your teamwork skills. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and skills are easy to spot. We want to see your strengths without having to dig through lengthy paragraphs!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply via our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received correctly. Plus, make sure to upload any additional documents that support your application under the supporting documents section.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as assisting qualified Social Workers and providing practical support to individuals and families. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your relevant experience in social care or social work settings during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've worked collaboratively within a team or handled sensitive information. This will show that you have the skills and commitment needed for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on how you would maintain accurate records and share information between teams. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience
Given the nature of the role, it's important to convey your flexibility and resilience during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations and adapt to changing circumstances, especially since the position involves working shifts, including weekends and public holidays.