At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments and case management.
- Company: Trafford Council, dedicated to high-quality social work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market supplement, and reimbursement for registration fees.
- Other info: Manageable caseloads and strong local connections for effective support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years' experience and registered with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 42839 £ per year.
Trafford Council is seeking experienced and committed Social Workers to join our Families First service. This is a permanent opportunity for practitioners who are passionate about delivering high-quality support to children and families.
About the Role
Families First is responsible for all assessment and duty work, alongside supporting families through the Child in Need process. The service is structured across four locality teams: North, West, South, and Central, allowing for strong local connections and manageable travel. You will play a key role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, undertaking assessments, managing caseloads, and working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake statutory assessments and duty work
- Manage Child in Need cases and support plans
- Work in partnership with families and multi‑agency professionals
- Maintain accurate and timely case records
- Ensure safeguarding standards are consistently met
About You
- Minimum 3 years' permanent Social Work experience
- Registered with Social Work England
- Strong assessment and case management skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)
Salary & Benefits
- Salary range: £37,280 - £42,839 per annum + benefits
- Band 7 (Level 2) or Band 8 (Level 3), dependent on experience
- £2,400 market supplement for Band 8 (Level 3)
- Caseloads capped at approximately 20 children
- Reimbursement of Social Work England registration fees
- Car parking salary sacrifice scheme (£28.50 per month)
- Enhanced DBS check (including Children's Barred List) provided
Additional Information
Candidates must be able to drive. Trafford Council is not a licensed sponsor, so applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Perm Families First Social Workers employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on local services. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to a modern Audit and Assurance service that prioritises positive customer outcomes in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Perm Families First Social Workers
✨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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Perm Families First Social Workers
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 Trafford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Trafford 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 Trafford 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.
