At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cared for children and implement their permanency plans with compassion and expertise.
- Company: Torbay Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children in care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and subsidised parking.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on your professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work degree and over 2 years of post-qualification experience required.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 46142 £ per year.
We are looking for a qualified social worker for our Cared for Children Team. Good social workers are at the heart of everything we do. You will be required to create positive relationships with children, their parents and carers, wider families, partners and colleagues, and demonstrate sound abilities in risk assessment and planning, mediation, child-centred and restorative practice, negotiation and problem solving.
You will receive good management support with a focus on your professional development, a competitive salary, subsidised parking, the opportunity to be part of continued professional development through Torbay’s Learning Academy and good administrative support.
We are looking for experienced social workers who want to support our cared for children and the implementation of their permanency plans. Specifically, the post holder will support cared for children across the range of permanency planning, from children with a plan of long term fostering to children with plans of reunification or family placement to children with plans of adoption. This is a great opportunity for a skilled and dynamic social worker with experience in working with cared for children in a wide variety of placement settings. You will be a strong advocate for children, and someone who is passionate and focused about improving the outcomes for cared for children.
Please note the market supplement added to this post would be for those coming in at Experienced Social Worker level only, with greater than 2 years post qualification experience. This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Able to convey respect for others.
- Ability to demonstrate skills in mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
- Able to assess situations with clarity and sensitivity and act professionally in crisis situations.
- Ability to work in an open and challenging way with families.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
- General knowledge of the range of options available to children, young people and their families.
- Knowledge of appropriate child care legislation and how it affects children and young people.
- Knowledge of current CP practice, framework for Assessment and CLA materials.
- Awareness and understanding of relevant Child Care issues.
- Knowledge and understanding of application of an evidence base in practice.
Experience & Qualifications
- Social Work degree qualification, e.g., Dip SW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
- Membership of Social Work England.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Direct work with Children Young People, Families and professionals.
- Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
Experienced Social Worker (Cared for Children Team) - 37 Hours employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, subsidised parking, and access to the Torbay Learning Academy, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of cared for children. The council's commitment to fostering positive relationships and providing strong management support makes it an ideal place for passionate social workers dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker (Cared for Children Team) - 37 Hours
✨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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Experienced Social Worker (Cared for Children Team) - 37 Hours
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 Torbay Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Torbay 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 Torbay 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.
