At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a lasting difference in children's lives through assessments and support.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Council, a top flexible employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days annual leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to child welfare and stability.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child protection and permanence planning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At West Dunbartonshire Council, we are committed to improving the lives of children and families in our community. Our Permanence Team plays a pivotal role in achieving positive, secure and stable outcomes for children who are unable to live with their birth families. We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Social Worker to join our Permanence Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a supportive and dynamic environment aimed at making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
As a Social Worker within the Permanence Team, you will:
- Undertake comprehensive assessments to determine the most appropriate long-term care arrangements for children and young people in need of permanence.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of permanence plans for children and young people including adoption and long-term fostering.
- Work closely with children, families, foster carers and other professionals to ensure that the needs of the child or young person is at the heart of decision-making.
- Provide ongoing support to children and carers during this period to ensure stability and promote positive outcomes.
- Prepare and present reports for Permanence Panels, Children's Hearings and Court Proceedings as required.
- Contribute positively to the overall development of the Permanence Team through sharing skills, knowledge and experience in this area of work.
We are looking for an experienced professional who:
- Is a qualified Social Worker and is registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- Has experience in child protection and permanence planning.
- Demonstrates excellent assessment, communication and report-writing skills.
- Is committed to promoting the rights and well-being of children and young people.
- Thrives in a collaborative and challenging environment.
If you are interested in this post and wish to have an informal discussion then please do not hesitate to contact either Mark Mulvenna (Senior Manager) or Allyson Pender (Senior Social Worker) on 0141 562 8800.
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2020 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential.
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.
Social Worker (Permanence Team) - WDN06670 in Dumbarton employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
West Dunbartonshire Council is an excellent employer for those passionate about education, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration among staff. Located in Clydebank, the council is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers teachers to inspire students and drive school improvement, ensuring meaningful contributions to the community and the future of education.
Contact Details:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Permanence Team) - WDN06670 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 (Permanence Team) - WDN06670 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.
