At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through social work, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, a top flexible employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your growth and development.
- Qualifications: Social work degree or pending qualification; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The following posts are available:
- 1 x 35 hours, Permanent.
- 1 x 17.5 hours, Permanent.
- 1 x 35 hours, Fixed Term to 31/03/2027.
West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership are in a position to offer exciting opportunities for both newly qualified and experienced social workers to join our Children & Families Social Work teams. The Service is in the process of redesign to meet the demands and complexities of the current national and international context within which social work provides services. In this context, we are developing teams within which staff will be supported to develop their skills and expertise in child care, with the requisite training opportunities being made available within a structured supervision and skills development framework.
Newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will benefit from support both internally as part of a local induction process, and within the context of the SSSC first supported year. In this context, NQSW will be given a range of observational, mentoring and experiential opportunities supporting their critical first year in employment. In addition, we can offer an initial start pending qualification, moving to a social work post on gaining confirmation of your social work degree.
If you are more experienced, we can offer a competitive starting salary, with current opportunities within which to progress your career, including leadership and management courses, while actively developing other routes to career progression enabling more experienced practitioners to use their skills and knowledge more creatively across the service.
If you would like to join us, please call 0141 562 8800, noting your interest and we will be very happy to invite you in to meet the child care teams.
Requirements
This post is considered a Regulated Role with Adults and Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2020 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.
Responsibilities
The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment, any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.
The Individual
WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work-life balance. In addition to this, there are also additional benefits:
- Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
- Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support
Now that you have read the role and what we have to offer, we would love to hear from you. Please use the application to tell us your experience, and why you are the candidate for this role.
For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice: About Us. More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council can be found using the following link: Benefits of Working With Us.
Social Worker - Children & Families (PERMANENT & FIXED TERM) RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06465 in Dumbarton employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for both newly qualified and experienced social workers. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, we prioritise employee wellbeing and career progression, making it an ideal place to build a meaningful career in social work.
Contact Details:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children & Families (PERMANENT & FIXED TERM) RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06465 in Dumbarton
✨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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 Social Worker - Children & Families (PERMANENT & FIXED TERM) RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06465 in Dumbarton
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 West Dunbartonshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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.
