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- Tasks: Support families and children, ensuring stability and positive outcomes in challenging situations.
- Company: Building Bridges is a dedicated service focused on helping children thrive within their families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, health support, and employee volunteering days.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values fun, growth, and making a real difference in lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care is preferred; training in specific models is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Interviews are scheduled for 20th August 2025; reach out for more details!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
Building Bridges is a well-established service, with a committed and successful team working determinedly and skillfully to create stability and enable more children to live within their families.
Building Bridges is at the forefront of delivering the council’s ‘Building for Brilliance’ strategy, including key priorities such as:
- Maintaining children aged 7+ within their families.
- Increasing placement stability within internal foster placements or kinship carers.
- Supporting reunifications for children living in residential care.
- Supporting \’Edge of Care\’ work across Children’s Services.
About You
We are looking for a Family Practitioner (Grade 8) or a Social Worker (Grade 9) with experience in Children’s and Adult’s Social Care. Building Bridges uses models such as NVR (Non-Violent Resistance), PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy). Experience in these approaches would be advantageous but is not essential.
Southampton faces high levels of complex issues, and this area of work has high demand. We need practitioners who are quick to find solutions to complex difficulties, calm, supportive, containing, and positive—those who can give young people, families, and colleagues hope and aspiration.
Are you this inspirational and motivational person? If so, why not join the Southampton family?
We are a systemic team that trains in systemic practice. Our practice development is among the best in the country. We are supportive, restorative, flexible, and foster a positive, healthy work environment that values fun and enjoyment outside of high-pressure work.
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for Unqualified Social Worker/Family Practitioner is £36,124 – £39,513, with a starting salary of £36,124 and annual progression. The salary band for Qualified Social Worker is £40,476 – £44,710, with a starting salary of £40,476 and annual progression.
We offer various perks and benefits, including:
- Death in service benefit of 3x salary, optional salary sacrifice AVC
- Generous holiday entitlement (25–31 days, depending on role and service)
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies: Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders, staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts via the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits: low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days off annually
Contact Details for Informal Discussion
For more information on our benefits, please visit our website. For further discussion, contact Steph Rhodes (Building Bridges Team Manager).
Interview Information
Please note that interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 20th August 2025.
Contact: Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC, please visit our website. Follow us on social media for updates on jobs and news.
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Social Worker - Qualified and Unqualified employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Qualified and Unqualified
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific models mentioned in the job description, such as NVR, PACE, and DDP. Even if you don't have direct experience, understanding these approaches will help you speak confidently about how you can apply similar principles in your work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Building Bridges or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex social care challenges. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for working within a supportive and restorative environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team atmosphere in previous roles, as this aligns with the values of Building Bridges.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Qualified and Unqualified
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker or Family Practitioner position. Familiarise yourself with the key priorities of Building Bridges and how your experience aligns with their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in Children’s and Adult’s Social Care. Emphasise any familiarity with models like NVR, PACE, and DDP, even if your experience is limited. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in handling complex situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to supporting families and children. Mention why you are drawn to Building Bridges and how you can contribute to their mission. Be sure to convey your positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Understand the Role and Values
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Social Worker or Family Practitioner at Building Bridges. Familiarise yourself with their values, especially around maintaining family stability and supporting children. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience in Children’s and Adult’s Social Care. Highlight any specific cases where you successfully navigated complex issues, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Models
While experience with NVR, PACE, and DDP is advantageous, it’s important to show your willingness to learn about these models. Research them beforehand and be ready to discuss how you might apply these approaches in your practice.
✨Emphasise Your Supportive Nature
Building Bridges values calmness, support, and positivity. During the interview, share examples of how you've provided hope and aspiration to young people and families in challenging situations. This will resonate well with their team ethos.