At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop foster carers in an innovative family model.
- Company: Walsall Council, a leading local authority with an outstanding reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working creatively with families.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 46147 £ per year.
Walsall Fostering Service recruits, trains, assesses and supports foster carers. We have a track record of high quality service provision and are committed to achieving positive outcomes for all Walsall children in care. We are looking to employ a Supervising Social Worker in the Mainstream and Mockingbird Support and Development team. Walsall are accredited Mockingbird fostering providers, an innovative way of delivering foster care using an extended family model which provides sleepovers, peer support, regular joint planning, training and social activities.
You will support, develop and supervise a caseload of mainstream and carers in Mockingbird constellations. You will at times be offering supervision and training to foster families within the constellation working closely with the Mockingbird manager and hub carers to sustain and develop the Mockingbird Family model in Walsall. You will have the opportunity to work creatively and closely with a small group of foster carers and children.
You will need to be social work qualified, registered with Social Work England, familiar with the current TSD standards and have a comprehensive knowledge of fostering regulations and legislation. We are looking for someone with experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to developing both individual and groups of carers. You must have good communication skills and be able to promote the Mockingbird model, at both a strategic and practical level.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Note: 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) relating to anytime they were overseas.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
Walsall Council’s Children’s Services are the only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ local authority in the Black Country. During a visit in May 2025, Inspectors described Walsall Council as a place where children were at the heart of. The council’s journey of continuous improvement started in 2017 and has since transformed into a service with a clear vision, clear priorities and a clear plan, all informed by the views of our staff and children. Staff are at the core of delivering great outcomes for children and young people in Walsall, which is underpinned by our Walsall Right 4 Children vision. The latest Ofsted inspection demonstrated that staff in children’s services are proud to work for Walsall Council and feel supported to do great work.
Social Worker - Ref: CH05026 in Wednesbury employer: Walsall Council
As a School Organisation Officer, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children. Our organisation values professional development, offering numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a meaningful role where your contributions directly impact the lives of families and children in the area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Ref: CH05026 in Wednesbury
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Walsall Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Walsall Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Walsall Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Ref: CH05026 in Wednesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Walsall Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Walsall Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Walsall Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Social Worker - Ref: CH05026 at Walsall Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Walsall Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Social Worker - Ref: CH05026 role.
