At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and support care experienced young people in group settings.
- Company: West Lothian Council, dedicated to empowering youth.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on personal and social development.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful initiative that influences young people's futures.
- Qualifications: Current employee of West Lothian Council with a passion for youth work.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Applications for this post will only be accepted from current employees of West Lothian Council (this includes casual and agency staff who are currently undertaking work for us). West Lothian Council reserve the right to close this post early depending on applicant response levels.
Having Your Say group has been operating in West Lothian since 2000 and is currently undergoing a revision of service and how these are delivered to care experienced young people in West Lothian. Due to the proposed expansion of the Having Your Say group, we are seeking applications from interested parties for group worker roles, across the younger (Primary school age) and older (secondary school age) groups. Having Your Say is a group for Care Experienced Young People in West Lothian aged 5-18 years. The main objective of Having Your Say is to provide a forum for participation for looked after young children and people in the area, enabling them to have a say in issues affecting them.
The key aims of the group are to:
- Nurture personal, social and emotional development;
- Actively involve children and young people in decision-making processes;
- Influence service development;
- Inform children and young people about their rights.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Preparing for the group/organising the session
- Engaging with care experienced young people
- Keeping awareness of the needs of individual children
- Recording on the social policy database
- Raising successes/concerns to Team Manager
- Attendance at monthly team meetings
This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007. From 28 February 2011 preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.
Supply Children's Worker, Various Locations, 505.47 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10471 employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on personal and professional development, staff have access to various training opportunities and are encouraged to contribute to meaningful initiatives that directly impact the lives of care-experienced young people in the community. Working within this council not only offers job security but also the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in West Lothian.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Children's Worker, Various Locations, 505.47 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10471
✨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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Supply Children's Worker, Various Locations, 505.47 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10471
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 Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Lothian 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 Lothian 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.
