At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families to create meaningful change in their lives.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy supportive supervision, career progression, and a hybrid working model.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's contribution.
- Why this job: Lead with empathy and help shape the future of vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience with children and families required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a well-established team with strong foundations, and you will benefit from a comprehensive handover and ongoing peer support. You'll also be part of a wider, collaborative management group of 14 managers who work closely together – sharing thinking, challenge and support.
What kind of leader we’re looking for:
- Keeps children’s voices, lived experiences and outcomes at the centre of every decision
- Leads with empathy, curiosity and reflective practice
- Creates a culture where social workers feel safe, supported and inspired to do their best work
- Is committed to practice excellence and continuous improvement
- A recognised Social Work qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- At least 3 years post-qualifying experience, including 2 years working with children and families
- Experience of supervision and supporting professional development
About the service and team:
Our Family Help and Protection Service works with children who need us most – those subject to child in need plans, child protection plans and care proceedings. Once assessment is complete, your team supports children and families to make and sustain meaningful change. You will lead a stable, experienced team including:
- 1 Assistant Team Manager
- 6 Social Workers
Benefits:
- A strong culture of supportive supervision and visible leadership
- Opportunities to influence practice development and service improvement
- Continuous professional development and career progression pathways
- A hybrid working model that supports balance, connection and reflection
- A workforce that values kindness, collaboration and shared purpose
Equalities and Diversity:
St Helens Borough Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. We are a Disability Confident Leader and a Fair Employment Charter employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our values and commitment to inclusion.
Recruitment notes:
Enhanced DBS Disclosure. This advert may be closed early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. For more information about the role, contact us at the email address provided in the full listing.
Social Work Assistant employer: St Helens Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Work Assistants. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from continuous training opportunities, a hybrid working model, and a culture that prioritises kindness and shared purpose. Join a dedicated team committed to making meaningful changes in the lives of children and families, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at St Helens Borough Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from St Helens Borough Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like St Helens Borough Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at St Helens Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to St Helens Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Helens Borough Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Borough Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
