At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families while managing a protected caseload for two years.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a modernising council passionate about community support.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, financial options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Newly qualified social workers eager to develop and make an impact.
The predicted salary is between 36827 - 45011 £ per year.
We are hiring Newly Qualified Social Workers with a focus on People, Promotion, Progression and Performance. We will support you with a protected caseload for 2 years and provide a range of guidance, training and advice from the management and social work academy.
Located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.
Joining us as a Newly Qualified Social Worker means you will provide expertise commensurate with your role, experience and grade acting as an invaluable resource to the team and department working in a diverse, challenging and rewarding environment. You will have a protected caseload for 2 years and will receive additional support from our ASYE co-ordinator.
If you are a social worker who really likes to make a difference, is keen to develop and is keen to take on the challenge then you can read our full job description and person specification criteria documents for full information.
The St Helens Social Work Academy is all about continuous professional development in social work, supporting you at every stage of your social work career, focused on People, Promotion, Progression and Performance. The Academy supports social workers throughout their career journey to achieve better outcomes for our children and families and onto new career opportunities in the authority.
We are rated GOOD by Ofsted & OUTSTANDING with Services for Young People Leaving Care! We are ambitious as we continue "Being Brilliant at the Basics and Beyond", and working towards becoming outstanding in all areas. The child’s voice is central to all our work & we know to achieve this we need well-supported, low-caseload, happy staff. We test whether we are getting this right with health checks.
The dedication, professionalism and strength of our Children's workforce is demonstrated every day and we are always interested in hearing from Newly Qualified social workers who share our commitment and values and would be interested in joining us.
Benefits That Make A Real Difference To Our Employees
When you choose to work for St Helens Council, you will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package including a wide range of financial options, benefits and rewards.
St Helens Council is a Disability Confident Leader. This means that the Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within the interview/selection process.
Equality & Diversity
St Helens Borough Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation.
Our Social Worker posts are hybrid positions with some home working. Posts will require you to be based at our offices and be able to attend the St Helens area regularly as part of your work. Social Worker posts are subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure and Social Work England Registration.
We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Social Workers - Newly Qualified employer: St Helens Council
St Helens Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Engineers in Strategic Highways Maintenance to contribute to transformative projects that enhance community infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including the Merseyside Pension Fund, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will find a rewarding career path while making a meaningful impact on local communities. Join us in our mission to be a leading highway authority and enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Workers - Newly Qualified
✨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 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 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 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 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 Workers - Newly Qualified
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 Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Helens 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 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.
