At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and coach social workers while managing complex cases for children in care.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a competitive salary with additional car user allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's social work and a valid UK driving licence.
- Other info: Agile working environment with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Our Social Workers make a significant impact on the lives of people across our county. We are passionate about investing in our staff and developing practice, and this role offers an exciting opportunity to do just that.
If you are seeking more responsibility, a supportive team environment, and the chance to continue safeguarding some of our most vulnerable children and young people, this could be the perfect role for you.
We are looking for qualified social workers with post-qualifying experience working with vulnerable children and a good knowledge of safeguarding and children in care. This role is hybrid, allowing flexible and mobile working. However, many services and clients are spread across Staffordshire, so you may be required to work at any location within the county. You will be based in Tamworth within the Children in Care team.
Main Responsibilities
- Support and coach social workers, focusing on quality practice and positive outcomes for children and families.
- Manage complex cases involving children in care.
- Share in day-to-day care management tasks with the team manager, promoting a restorative approach and providing guidance on care proceedings and case decisions.
- Coordinate and facilitate team supervision sessions.
- Promote effective multi-agency collaboration and restorative practices with partner agencies.
- Ensure team performance meets key service delivery objectives and KPIs.
- Mentor colleagues, assisting with complex cases and supporting professional development, especially for newly qualified social workers.
- Oversee practice placements and support social work students’ assessments and workload management.
- Provide supervision to unqualified staff, including identifying training needs.
- Lead or contribute to projects as directed by the team manager.
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Social Worker with post-qualifying experience.
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Possess a current UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
- Have a genuine desire to work with children and families, aiming to support and keep families together where safe.
We are open to flexible working arrangements. For more information or an informal chat, please contact Heather Kliner at heather.kliner1@staffordshire.gov.uk. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 28 July 2025.
Our recruitment process involves anonymized shortlisting to focus on relevant skills and experience. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight your suitability for the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are a county council with a strong community spirit, driven by values shaped by staff feedback and best practices. We are ambitious for a better future and committed to creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive and achieve work-life balance.
Our benefits include access to rewards and benefits available at Careers at Staffordshire.
As part of our safeguarding commitment, this position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants must disclose relevant criminal history details in their application.
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Children\'s Advanced Social Worker employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Advanced Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in care and care leavers. Understanding the nuances of trauma-informed practice will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Staffordshire County Council. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring and supporting social workers. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully guided colleagues through complex cases, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in children's social work. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can set you apart and show your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Advanced Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in children's social work, particularly any roles where you've managed complex cases or supported other social workers. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with children and families. Mention your understanding of trauma-informed practices and how you can contribute to the team's goals. Be sure to align your values with those of Staffordshire County Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your registration with Social Work England and any additional training related to child welfare, such as ABE training or experience with educational planning. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves mentoring and supporting other social workers, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any leadership roles or projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and families. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to improving the lives of children in care and your understanding of their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience with Complex Cases
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing complex cases, particularly in relation to care proceedings and permanency planning. Highlight any specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them successfully.
✨Emphasise Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring is a key part of this role, be ready to talk about your experience supporting and developing other social workers and students. Provide examples of how you've helped colleagues grow professionally and overcome challenges.
✨Understand the Importance of Multi-Agency Collaboration
Familiarise yourself with the principles of effective multi-agency service delivery. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with partner agencies in the past to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.