At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social workers in urgent situations and help families in need.
- Company: Join South Lanarkshire Council's dedicated Emergency Social Work Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Two years in social care, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 24314 £ per year.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 17 June 2026 at 11:55pm. Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
Location: Pollock Avenue, Hamilton
Hours: 17.5hrs per week, permanent
Work Pattern: as per advert
Salary / Hourly Rate: £23,805 - £24,314
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?
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.
The shift patterns and timings are as follows:
- 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
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.
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
- 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)
SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4779-463084448 employer: South Lanarkshire
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 leave entitlements, and access to an award-winning pension scheme, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through essential social work services. The council's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees, fostering collaboration and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4779-463084448
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South Lanarkshire Council and their Emergency Social Work Services. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your enthusiasm for joining their ranks.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle various scenarios in social work. Be ready to share examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and compassion.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to upload any supporting documents that highlight your experience and commitment to social work.
We think you need these skills to ace SWRK 4779 - G2 Social Work Assistant (605913) - 4779-463084448
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read the full job description. It’s packed with important details about what we’re looking for and how to tailor your application to stand out.
No CVs, Please!:Remember, we don’t want to see a CV! Instead, focus on filling out the application form thoroughly and accurately. If you have extra info to share, upload it under supporting documents.
Be Clear and Concise:When answering questions or providing information, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to sensitive topics in social work.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application is received correctly. It’s the best way to get your foot in the door with us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire
✨Know Your Role
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 during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in social care or social work settings that highlight your skills and commitment to supporting individuals and families. Be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in a team and handled sensitive information, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked about how you would handle communication between ESWS and daytime teams, so think of scenarios where you successfully maintained clear communication in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Shift Patterns
Since the role involves working varied shifts, including weekends and public holidays, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to these patterns. Highlight any previous experience you have with shift work and how you managed your time effectively during those periods.
