At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower exploited young people through trauma-informed social work.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in Walsall.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team committed to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable youth.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualified with at least 12 months experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 46142 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the appointment of a social worker specialising in working with children and young people who are exploited to join our Aspiring Futures Team on a 12‑month fixed term basis.
Walsall Children’s Social Care have created a service for exploited young people, based on feedback from exploited young people, families, and professionals. The Aspiring Futures team consists of a Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager, Social Workers, Aspiring Futures Practitioners, and Exploitation Coordinators. We work in a relational, trauma‑informed way to reduce exploitation risks, alongside a social worker within Aspiring Futures or locality family help teams.
The model is based on rational practice and ensuring consistency of practitioners, enabling rapport to be built which contributes to keeping young people safe and supports mapping of all exploitation risks across Walsall. We actively attend and advocate for our young people in all statutory meetings and contribute to wider planning, having an in‑depth understanding of our young people, the push and pull factors, behaviours, and who they are as individuals.
We work closely with partner agencies, including Police, Street Teams, the Youth Justice Service, Education, Health, the Violence Reduction Partnership, Mentoring Services, Detached Youth Work Services, and Voluntary Organisations. We undertake MACE (Multi‑Agency Child Exploitation) Meetings monthly for all high‑risk young people. Daily Exploitation Triage oversees all age exploitation and missing episodes, attended by partner agencies.
As a social worker within the Aspiring Futures team, you will work with a reduced number of young people who are being exploited, enabling you to work more intensively with them and their families. You will understand their needs and lived experiences in relation to exploitation and contextual safeguarding, while considering wider vulnerabilities and protective factors.
Social workers within Aspiring Futures work with young people from the start of their journey with social care, focusing on those identified at medium or high risk of exploitation through our daily exploitation triage. The assessments completed by social workers and Aspiring Futures practitioners support in identifying and analysing the extra‑familial and contextual risks the young person is experiencing alongside familial risks and protective factors.
Participation and partnership working with the young person and their families is key, ensuring time is taken to build a positive relationship and fully involve them in safety planning and decision making. Young people and their families are supported to actively participate in their MACE meetings and Team Around the Family meetings alongside key partners.
As a social worker within Aspiring Futures, you will engage in group supervision with other involved practitioners around the family, in addition to individual monthly supervision. You will also be offered clinical supervision through a trained clinical psychologist.
About you
You will be Social Work Qualified with a minimum of 12 months post‑qualifying experience working within children’s services. You will be registered with Social Work England. You will be enthusiastic, passionate, and knowledgeable about reducing exploitation for young people. You will have excellent communication skills, assessment, report writing, and analytical skills, demonstrating professional curiosity.
If this is you, we are excited to hear from you.
Why work for us
Our staff are our biggest resources, and we want to invest in them! We have a great range of benefits available to us as Council employees, including discounts for holidays, groceries, clothes, electrics, and gym membership; financial benefits, expenses, flexible leave, and professional development. Our model of work is hybrid, allowing you to work 2-3 days office based and from home.
Important notes
Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied, or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC). For this role, successful candidates must undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check.
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Closing date for applications: 14/06/2026. Interviews to take place between 24/06/2026 and 03/07/2026.
Social Worker - Exploitation & Aspiring Futures (Hybrid) in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Join Walsall Children’s Social Care as a Social Worker in the Aspiring Futures Team, where your passion for supporting exploited young people will be met with a supportive and dynamic work environment. We prioritise employee development through professional training, flexible working arrangements, and a strong emphasis on team collaboration, ensuring you feel valued and connected while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on trauma-informed practices and partnership working, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety and aspirations of vulnerable young people in Walsall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Exploitation & Aspiring Futures (Hybrid) in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and related fields. Attend local events or online webinars where you can meet people from the Aspiring Futures team or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in child exploitation and contextual safeguarding. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the values of the Aspiring Futures team. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When you get the chance to interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in young people's lives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact in Walsall.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Exploitation & Aspiring Futures (Hybrid) in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role of a Social Worker in the Aspiring Futures team. Highlight your understanding of exploitation and how you can contribute to the positive impact we’re making in Walsall.
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for working with young people and reducing exploitation. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of child exploitation and the frameworks surrounding it. Brush up on the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with young people and your commitment to reducing exploitation. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your dedication to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully assessed and supported children at risk. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your analytical skills and professional curiosity.
✨Engage with the Team Approach
Familiarise yourself with the collaborative nature of the Aspiring Futures team. Be ready to discuss how you would work alongside other professionals and engage families in the decision-making process, emphasising the importance of building rapport.
