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- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments, interventions, and court proceedings.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council's Families First Team, aiming for 'Outstanding' with Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to ÂŁ36.00 per hour, hybrid working, and professional support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in children's services, strong court work experience, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and impactful work in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Shefford, Central Bedfordshire
Pay Rate: Up to ÂŁ36.00 per hour
Contract: 3–6 months (initial)
Working Pattern: Full-time, hybrid (office presence required for key duties)
Employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
About the Role
Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join its Families First Team, supporting its journey from “Good” to “Outstanding” with Ofsted. This is a relationship-based role where you will work with children and families from assessment through to intervention, ensuring consistent support and improved long-term outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload involving Child in Need, Child Protection, and care proceedings
- Complete high-quality assessments, care plans, and risk analyses
- Prepare and present evidence in court
- Build effective relationships with children and families
- Chair and contribute to multi-agency meetings
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies to safeguard children
About You
You will bring:
- A minimum of 5 years’ post-qualifying experience in children’s services
- Strong experience in court work and safeguarding
- The ability to manage complex cases independently
- Experience undertaking direct work with children
- Confidence in multi-agency working and chairing meetings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Essential Requirements
- Registered with Social Work England
- Eligible to work in the UK
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
Why Work with SW Locums
Since 2009, SW Locums has supported social work professionals across the UK, offering specialist market knowledge, dedicated consultant support, and a reliable, transparent service throughout your placement. Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion. Shortlisting is underway.
Social Worker Children & Families in Shefford employer: SW Locums
Contact Detail:
SW Locums Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Children & Families in Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Central Bedfordshire Council. They might have insider info or even know about unadvertised roles that could be perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current safeguarding practices and legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions related to child protection and multi-agency collaboration to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing complex cases and your ability to build relationships with families. Real-life examples can make a huge impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Children & Families in Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in children’s services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. We love a well-structured application that reflects your ability to communicate effectively, just like you would in multi-agency meetings.
Highlight Your Court Experience: Given the importance of court work in this position, make sure to detail your experience in preparing and presenting evidence. We’re looking for candidates who can confidently navigate the legal aspects of social work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SW Locums
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection laws and safeguarding practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description, as well as any recent changes in legislation that may impact your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in managing complex cases and working with children and families. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in assessment, care planning, and court work, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
✨Build Rapport
Since this is a relationship-based role, practice how you can build rapport quickly. Think about how you can connect with the interviewers by showing empathy and understanding, which are key traits for a Senior Social Worker.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the council's approach to achieving 'Outstanding' status, or how they support their social workers in managing caseloads effectively.