At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities and their families to achieve positive outcomes.
- Company: Outstanding Local Authority dedicated to excellent practice and staff support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with tailored training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with special needs and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 30000 £ per year.
Children's Specialist Social Work Assistant - Children with Disabilities Team
1X permanent post, 37 hours per week
Scale 6 £31,537 - £33,699
We are an Outstanding Local Authority with an established management team, committed to developing excellent practice and supporting our staff.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Social Work Assistant within the Children with Disabilities Team. This service is reshaping our approach to the delivery of support throughout a child’s journey by working with children, young people and their families to determine identified social care needs within a holistic network of support to achieve positive outcomes and help children and young people reach their potential.
The Children with Disabilities Service supports children and young people from 0 to 17 years old with complex health, medical and learning difficulties and disabilities, and their families. The team includes:
- Social Workers
- Social Work Assistants
- Short-Break Co-ordinator
- Direct Payment Officer
- Occupational Therapy Team
Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for the planning and reviewing of social care needs for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The children and young people may also have complex health needs.
The post holder will work directly with children, young people and their families to ensure their views are listened to and that they are fully engaged in processes to ensure appropriate support is implemented. Integral to practice is multi‑agency working with relevant partners within health, education and social care agencies.
Qualifications and Experience
The post requires experience and knowledge of working with children and young people with special educational needs/disabilities and the ability to work closely with their families. Also required are literacy and qualifications, e.g. GCSEs (English and Maths) at A–C or NVQ 3 in Childcare or equivalent.
Safeguarding and Support
Telford and Wrekin Council prioritises safeguarding and the welfare of all children and young people entrusted to our care. Staff receive quality supervision, work within supportive teams, access reflective systemic consultations, training and development opportunities. We are committed to high standards and the best outcomes through proactive, child‑focused support planning, and we value the views of children and young people to shape services around their needs.
Our practitioners are supported with development opportunities through tailored in‑house training and external partnerships. If you share our passion for making a difference, we would be delighted if you joined us.
How to apply and further information
For information on the role, please view the job description and person specification. We are committed to equality and diversity. Roles involving children or vulnerable groups require an appropriate criminal records check.
Please contact Kate Wright on 01952 567361 or email Katherine.wright@telford.gov.uk with any queries. For more information about working for Telford & Wrekin Social Care, please view our recruitment page: telford.gov.uk/cscr
A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and a generous leave package — starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day
- Flexible working and career progression
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff discounts and salary sacrifice perks
- Free parking and confidential wellbeing support
- Hybrid working model to balance office and home working
Find out further information about working at Telford & Wrekin Council including our full list of benefits.
Roles involving children or vulnerable adults will require a criminal records check. It is an offence to apply if you’re barred from working with these groups.
Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Social Work Assistant in Telford employer: Telford and Wrekin Council
Telford & Wrekin Council is an Outstanding Local Authority that prioritises the welfare of children and young people, offering a supportive work environment for Social Work Assistants. With competitive salaries, generous leave packages, and a commitment to professional development through tailored training, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities. The council fosters a collaborative culture, ensuring staff have access to quality supervision and multi-agency support, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about social care.
Contact Details:
Telford and Wrekin Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant in Telford
✨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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Work Assistant in Telford
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 Telford and Wrekin Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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.
