At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor newly qualified social workers and students in their professional development.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to building a skilled social work workforce.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for personal growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on Barrow, offering face-to-face support and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social work and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's social care and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith (with a regular presence required in Barrow)
Contract Type: Fixed term for 24 months
About the Role
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to developing a skilled, confident and sustainable social work workforce. As part of our continued investment in the Social Work Academy, we are seeking a Practice Improvement Lead to provide dedicated support to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and social work students, with a particular focus on strengthening our workforce in Barrow. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the recruitment, development and retention of our future social workers.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic social work professional who is passionate about workforce development and supporting others to succeed. You will:
- Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Have substantial post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work practice, professional standards and workforce development.
- Have experience of supporting, coaching, mentoring or supervising social workers and/or students.
- Be able to build effective working relationships across teams and services.
- Be committed to developing the next generation of social workers.
Location Requirements
While this is a countywide role within the Children’s Social Work Academy, a significant part of the post will focus on supporting practitioners based in Barrow. The successful candidate will therefore be required to spend a proportion of their working week physically based within the Barrow office, providing accessible face-to-face support, coaching, learning opportunities and professional guidance to NQSWs and social work students. Some travel across Westmorland and Furness may also be required.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future social work workforce within Westmorland and Furness. You will play a vital role in helping newly qualified social workers and students develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed to provide high-quality support to children and families. If you are passionate about practice excellence, learning and development, and want to make a lasting impact on the future of social work, we would love to hear from you.
Practice Improvement Lead in Penrith employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and community impact. As a Vision Rehab Specialist, you will have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals in a multidisciplinary team, enhancing your skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with sight loss. With competitive benefits such as a pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, this role provides a rewarding career path in a vibrant location.
Contact Details:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Improvement Lead in Penrith
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Westmorland And Furness Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Improvement Lead in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Westmorland And Furness Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Westmorland And Furness Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Westmorland And Furness Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Practice Improvement Lead role at Westmorland And Furness Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Westmorland And Furness Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
