Job Opportunity: Youth Participation Worker (Secondment Cover)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Senior Phase and Youth Participation Team for a Youth Participation Worker (Secondment Cover). The post holder will support the growth of youth participation across Stirling. The successful candidate will work alongside the SPYP team and various partners, including Stirling Youth Forum, to help young people develop their capacity to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors to society.
We are looking for a dynamic and innovative individual who can support youth participation both locally and nationally, working within our team and wider networks, as well as fostering local and national partnerships within the youth participation arena.
The role involves supporting the ongoing work of the team by co-creating a variety of ways for young people to have their voices heard in Stirling.
Requirements
The successful candidate will be required to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) for Children. If your application is successful after the interview, you will be asked to complete the necessary forms and have your details verified.
Application Encouragement
If you possess the right skills, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from candidates regardless of age (note restrictions for Modern Apprenticeships), disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays (rising to 35 after 5 years of continuous service)
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid office/work-from-home options where the role permits. This provides a good balance, combining the benefits of remote work with the social aspects of working in the office 2-3 days per week.
- Biennial incremental progression until reaching the top of the payscale
- Up to 6 months full sick pay and 6 months half pay, depending on length of service
- Up to 4 weeks paid Paternity Leave
- Access to Health & Wellbeing support
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Participation Worker in Stirling
✨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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Stirling Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Stirling Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stirling 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 Stirling 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.
