At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with vulnerable young people and support their families in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council's Ofsted GOOD Missing and Child Exploitation Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great holiday entitlement, and access to wellbeing coaching.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and ability to work collaboratively with various agencies.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Our Team!
We are seeking two Children and Family Workers to join our Missing and Child Exploitation Team.
This is an exciting opportunity available for a committed, enthusiastic and driven individual to join Wakefield Council Missing and Child Exploitation Team as a Children and Family Worker engaging vulnerable and at-risk young people across the Wakefield district.
We are an Ofsted GOOD children’s services provider with outstanding leadership.
Our Team is co-located with the Police at Havertop Police Station, Normanton, and you will be subject to full police vetting.
Who are we? and what do we do?
The Missing and Child Exploitation Team work directly with young people and their families. We adopt a restorative approach in every aspect of our practice. We work collaboratively with partner agencies, such as the Police, Health, Education, Youth Justice Service and CAMHS to promote resilience and positive change for the children in our district. We are dedicated to providing all of our staff with a positive working environment, where they feel safe and supported. We are committed to staff development and progression.
What will be expected from me?
You will play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people in Wakefield District. You will be working with a small and well supported team led by engaging and supportive senior managers who are committed to making a difference to families within Wakefield.
What does the role involve?
- Direct work with children and young people.
- Specific interventions for children, young people and their carers.
- Working alongside social workers to ensure the best outcome for our children and young people.
- Undertaking return home interviews with children and young people who have been missing.
What can I expect?
- Excellent Salary grade range: G7 Children and Family Worker.
- This is a permanent 37hrs per week predominantly office based.
- Full time 37 hours. Hours would be Monday‑Thursday 8.30am‑5pm and 8.30am‑4.30 on a Friday.
- With a Great Holiday entitlement.
- Free parking onsite.
- Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient staff need a good work/life balance as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace. Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required, Support for Carers, a Sense of Belonging.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Access to the Gym within the police station at a very small monthly cost.
What Ofsted said about Wakefield Children’s Services:
Wakefield Children\'s Services are good with outstanding Leadership.
Children and young people are positioned at the centre of all practice.
Staff without exception are very enthusiastic about working for Wakefield.
An environment where good and effective social work is flourishing.
If you think this is you? Apply to join our team. Choose Wakefield.
For further information about any of the roles please contact
Tracy Moss (Team Manager for Missing and Child Exploitation) tracymoss@wakefield.gov.uk / 01924 303456
To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.
Child & Family Worker in Wakefield employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Children and Family Workers dedicated to making a positive impact on vulnerable young people. With a strong commitment to staff development, excellent benefits including generous holiday entitlement, wellbeing support, and access to high-quality training, employees are empowered to grow in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located at Havertop Police Station, the team benefits from close collaboration with partner agencies, ensuring a holistic approach to child welfare in the Wakefield district.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child & Family Worker in Wakefield
✨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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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 Child & Family Worker in Wakefield
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 Wakefield Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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.
