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- Tasks: Support children and families through social work, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Southwark Council, dedicated to community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years experience and registration with Social Work England.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Category: Social & Health Care Qualified
Location: Sumner House, Southwark Council
Hours Per Week: 36.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £29.72
Must be a qualified Social Worker for 5+ years and registered with Social Work England. Recent experience of working in a busy, fast-paced duty and assessment service desirable. Expectation is that the worker is office-based at least 2x per week. During the team's duty week this will be 5 consecutive work days. Duty week runs from Thursday to Wednesday across 2 weeks.
Knowledge, including educational qualifications:
- Knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance and the London Child Protection Procedures
- Knowledge and understanding of child development, parenting capacity, environmental factors and risk and protective factors
- Knowledge and understanding of current issues in children's social work practice, particularly in relation to child protection and planning of interventions
- Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of key children's agencies
- Knowledge of best practice for assessment and care planning, and some understanding of and commitment to the approaches within Southwark's practice framework: systemic practices including Signs of Safety, restorative practices, and trauma/attachment informed approaches including Secure Base
Experience:
- Experience of direct social work with children and their families (including a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England)
- Experience of working effectively as part of a team and balancing personal workload
- Experience of preparing reports and presenting these within formal settings, such as court proceedings, fostering or adoption panels, youth justice panels, or other formal settings
- Experience of successfully working in an anti-discriminatory way including addressing issues of racism, inequality and injustice
Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:
- Ability to collate and analyse complex information, and produce good quality written information that is easily understood by others
- Commitment to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability and to the principles in centred, family minded, strengths-based, evidence informed, relationship based, outcome-focused, fair and reflective
- Ability to formulate and implement effective social work
- Ability to produce high quality reports with clarity
- Ability to develop professional relationships with children and their families
- Ability to manage own workload and be accountable for it
- Computer literacy skills at a level to maintain case records
- Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to communities from diverse backgrounds
Special Conditions of Recruitment:
- Must hold a recognised social work qualification
- Must have a current registration with Social Work England
- Must be able to provide evidence of continuing professional development in line with the Professional Capability Framework for Social Workers, to include either successful completion of ASYE year, or significant recent experience in a social work role within a statutory setting, working with children and families, and attendance to appropriate training
- A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level is required
- Comply with and promote the Council's Equal opportunities policy
- Occasional requirements to work evenings and weekends
CSW Senior/Specialist employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CSW Senior/Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to children's social work. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, such as reports or case studies, to demonstrate your skills during interviews. This will help you stand out and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace CSW Senior/Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Senior/Specialist Social Worker, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your direct social work experience with children and families. We’re particularly interested in your ability to manage complex cases and produce high-quality reports, so give us the good stuff!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your written application is easy to read and understand. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically, especially when discussing your knowledge of childcare legislation and best practices.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare legislation and the London Child Protection Procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also up-to-date with current practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully managed cases or worked in a team. Highlight your experience in direct social work with children and families, especially in busy environments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Practice Your Reports
Since you'll need to prepare reports and present them in formal settings, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. This will help you demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality written information during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Be ready to discuss your commitment to anti-discriminatory practices and how you address issues of inequality. Showing that you align with the principles of openness and accountability will resonate well with the interviewers.