At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people through assessments and effective interventions.
- Company: Cardiff Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: £5,000 market supplement, 28-33 days annual leave, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities in a vibrant city.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ per year.
About the Service
Cardiff’s social work services have been redesigned to follow the child’s journey and created locality teams that enable workers to link closely with communities and local services. The culture of learning, support and family across our teams is strong. Teams use a strengths‑based (Signs of Safety) approach to meet the needs of young people and their families. We offer a diverse variety of casework, individual and dedicated work, and support from senior management. Career development opportunities are provided for successful candidates. The city, as the capital of Wales and a growing, multicultural community, benefits from being the first city in the UK to be declared a UNICEF Child Friendly City. Children and young people in Cardiff need social workers who can respond to their diversity of needs and experiences.
About the Job
As a Social Work Assistant you will support children and young people through robust assessment, outcome‑focused planning and effective intervention. You will work within a restorative practice approach and partner with families and multi‑agency colleagues to address both presenting concerns and underlying issues. We provide a comprehensive training program that allows you to access all mandatory training and regular support groups. After completing your placement you will wait for your qualification to come through. The role is a permanent position that is available to recent graduates or final‑year students.
This Post Requires:
- Social work qualification.
- Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced checks.
- Registration with Social Care Wales.
- Full valid driving licence and full use of a car.
- Excellent assessment skills and the ability to produce concise records and reports.
- Strong teamwork, communication, organisational and IT skills.
Benefits Offered:
- A market supplement of £5,000 per annum (full time equivalent). Payment is reviewed 12 monthly.
- Competitive annual leave: 28 days per year, increasing to 33 days after five years, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
- Flexible working culture with a flexi scheme allowing you to work to a schedule that suits you.
- Hybrid working – support to work in visits, from an office or from home.
- Access to a pension fund that is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Work in a city that is frequently listed among the best places in the UK to live.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for social work students in their final year of university or recent social work graduates.
Locality Team Locations
The Cardiff Safeguarding and Children teams are based in three localities across the city: St Mellons (East), Fairwater (North) and Cardiff Bay (South). Staff are based within the communities they serve.
Additional Information
If you have previously applied for this position within six months and were not successful, please do not submit another application at this time. All interviews will be held face to face in Cardiff. We do not offer online interviews. If you are unable to attend an interview in person, please contact us before submitting your application. We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications in English. Use of AI or other resources for your application is permitted; however, all information you provide must be factual, accurate and original. The council does not accept CVs.
Get In Touch
For further information, contact Laura White at Laura.White3@cardiff.gov.uk.
Equal Opportunities
Cardiff Council welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunities employer.
SOCIAL WORKER * Grade 7 - Newly & recently qualified Social Workers * - Localities in Cardiff employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
Cardiff Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises learning and development. With a strong focus on community engagement and a commitment to diversity, employees benefit from competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive training programmes. Working in Cardiff, a vibrant and multicultural city recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SOCIAL WORKER * Grade 7 - Newly & recently qualified Social Workers * - Localities in Cardiff
✨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 Training Brokers Ltd.
✨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 Training Brokers Ltd!
✨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 Training Brokers Ltd, 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 Training Brokers Ltd 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 * Grade 7 - Newly & recently qualified Social Workers * - Localities in Cardiff
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 Training Brokers Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Training Brokers Ltd! 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 Training Brokers Ltd
✨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.
