At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct vital assessments for children and families, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Supportive team focused on kinship assessments in a London-based service.
- Benefits: Earn £38.00 per hour with a flexible hybrid working arrangement.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of social work experience with proven kinship assessment skills.
Location: 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London, NW9 4EW
Contract Type: Locum
Pay Rate: £38.00 per hour Limited/Umbrella
Working Pattern: Hybrid – approximately 1 day per week in the office, with visits to families as required
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join a specialist service working with children and families, with a particular focus on Kinship Assessments. The successful candidate will have strong experience working with children and families and be confident undertaking a range of statutory kinship assessments. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social worker looking for a flexible hybrid role within a supportive team.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake comprehensive assessments of children, families and prospective kinship carers.
- Complete Viability Assessments, Special Guardianship (SGO) Assessments and Connected Carer Assessments.
- Undertake direct work with children, parents, relatives and prospective carers.
- Assess the suitability, capacity and support needs of family members seeking to care for children.
- Produce high-quality assessment reports and recommendations.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with statutory requirements.
- Work collaboratively with children, families, carers and partner agencies.
- Undertake visits to children and families as required.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate action is taken.
- Contribute to effective care planning and decision-making to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Essential Requirements
- A minimum of 3 years' experience in a permanent Social Work role.
- Professional experience working with children and families.
- Proven experience completing all types of Kinship Assessments, including: Viability Assessments, Special Guardianship Assessments, Connected Carer Assessments.
- Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
- Ability to manage complex cases and work independently.
Important Candidate Requirement
Candidates must have specific experience completing Kinship Assessments. Experience solely within generic fostering teams will not be considered. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical experience of completing Viability, Special Guardian and Connected Carer assessments.
Working Arrangements
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with approximately one day per week required in the Colindale office, alongside visits to children and families as necessary for assessments and casework.
Why Apply?
- £38.00 per hour Limited/Umbrella
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Specialist focus on kinship assessment
- Opportunity to work directly with children and families
- Flexible locum opportunity within a London-based service
Apply now if you are an experienced Social Worker with strong Kinship Assessment experience and are looking for your next opportunity.
Hiring Manager employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an excellent employer located in Altrincham, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can thrive. With a focus on professional development and career progression, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage in diverse tasks while contributing to a growing specialist recruitment agency dedicated to making a difference in the public sector. Join us to build your skills and be part of a team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hiring Manager
✨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 We Do Social Work.
✨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 We Do Social Work!
✨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 We Do Social Work, 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 We Do Social Work 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 Hiring Manager
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 We Do Social Work:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Do Social Work! 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 We Do Social Work
✨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.
