At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a lasting difference in children's lives through direct work and multi-agency collaboration.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, known for its strong leadership and commitment to improvement.
- Benefits: Earn £38.00 per hour with flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a £500 referral bonus for recommending qualified candidates.
- Why this job: Help children recover from their experiences and build a positive future.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of post-qualified experience in Local Authority Children's Social Care required.
Make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people. SW Locums is recruiting an experienced Qualified Social Worker for a full-time locum opportunity with West Sussex County Council.
Role Details
- £38.00 per hour
- 37 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- ASAP start
- Location: Chichester
- Caseload of approximately 18 children
- Regular supervision every 4 weeks
About the Role
This is an excellent opportunity to work within Children in Care, building meaningful relationships with children and young people and helping them settle, recover from their experiences and look towards a positive future. The role has a strong focus on direct work, safeguarding, assessment and multi-agency working. Occasional court work may also be required.
You will need:
- Minimum 3 years post-qualified experience in Local Authority Children's Social Care in England
- Recent frontline social work experience
- Strong assessment and risk identification skills
- Experience undertaking direct work with children
- Excellent multi-agency working skills
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car – essential
Working Arrangements
The role is not office-based, but you will need to travel to see children wherever they are placed, potentially nationwide. You must be able to undertake after-school and early evening visits. The team has two duty days per month, when social workers are required to work from the office. Interviews are generally held face-to-face. At least two detailed practice-based references using the DfE template are required.
Why West Sussex?
West Sussex Children's Services has made significant improvements in recent years. Ofsted recognised the service's strong and determined leadership and praised its commitment to improving practice. Agency workers are treated as part of the wider service and encouraged to participate in transformational and leadership events.
£500 Referral Bonus: Know a qualified children's social worker who may be interested? Refer a successful candidate to SW Locums and receive £500. Terms and conditions apply.
Available for an ASAP start? Get in touch with SW Locums today.
Qualified Social Worker Children in Chichester employer: SW Locums
SW Locums is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow their skills in a meaningful role that directly impacts the lives of families in the London Borough of Islington. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker Children in Chichester
✨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 SW Locums.
✨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 SW Locums!
✨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 SW Locums, 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 SW Locums 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 Qualified Social Worker Children in Chichester
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 SW Locums:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SW Locums! 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 SW Locums
✨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.
