At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, committed to community health and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in need.
- Qualifications: 2+ years experience with vulnerable children and families required.
The predicted salary is between 40501 - 47639 £ per year.
Salary: £40,501 - £47,639. Hours: 36 per week.
Overview
The post-holder will undertake the full range of duties working with children who need protection, who are Looked After or who are children in need, along with their families and carers. They will work in a strengths‑based and restorative way to build positive relationships, identify outcomes needed to keep children safe, and put in place plans that improve wellbeing for children and families/carers.
Team and Context
The post is located in the PrePrepare Team, a multi‑disciplinary team in partnership with NHS Lothian, Health and Social Care and Communities and Families. The aim is to work with families who have been affected by addiction during pregnancy and within the child's first two years. The service works city‑wide.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least 2 years post‑qualifying experience of working with vulnerable children and families.
- Regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.
- Must join the PVG Scheme or obtain a PVG Scheme update check.
- If having spent a continuous period of 3 months or more outside the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required.
Equality and Diversity Commitment
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care‑experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Benefits and Extra Information
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and increases annually until it reaches the top of the range. Flexible working arrangements are welcomed.
Social Worker - Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
At the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team-oriented culture encourages professional growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families in a collaborative setting that values diversity and promotes wellbeing.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre
✨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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 Worker - Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre
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 The City of Edinburgh Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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.
