At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, promoting positive outcomes and helping young people thrive.
- Company: Wirral Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong support for staff wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Social Care, Childcare, or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Wirral Council is a place where you can genuinely make a difference, guided by strong organisational values that shape everything we do. Our values, ambitious, professional, resident-focused and accountable, act as our organisational DNA, influencing how we work, lead and support one another every day. We take pride in delivering great services, acting with integrity, building positive relationships, and always putting residents first, creating a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can “be the best we can be”. With our beautiful surroundings, ambitious future plans, and a commitment to empowering staff to #BeTheDifference, Wirral Council offers an inspiring environment to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Family Matters Service to recruit an experienced Adolescent & Family Worker on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This rewarding role will involve working directly with children, adolescents and their families to provide targeted support, promote positive outcomes, and help young people reach their full potential.
Family Matters is an Early Help and Prevention service within Children's Services in Wirral, made up of eight teams working with families at Levels 3 and 4 of the Continuum of Need. This role involves delivering targeted interventions to families experiencing difficulties that impact their ability to parent appropriately, including neglect, poor home conditions, school attendance concerns, substance misuse and domestic abuse.
You will carry out Early Help Assessments using a whole-family approach, gathering information about family history, current lived experiences and ensuring the voices of children are reflected throughout your work. Working closely with partner agencies, you will identify needs, coordinate support and confidently escalate safeguarding concerns where required, supported by an experienced Team Leader.
Full induction and training will be provided, alongside excellent development opportunities, including training in Systemic Practice, the accredited Nurture Programme and domestic abuse programmes to support families and improve outcomes for children and young people.
You will hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant field such as Social Care, Childcare, Health, or Working with Families. You will be passionate about supporting children, young people and families, with the ability to build positive relationships, work effectively with partner agencies, and contribute to achieving positive outcomes for those facing complex challenges. Strong communication, organisational and safeguarding awareness skills are essential.
Wirral Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment process, all successful applicants will be subject to thorough pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verified reference checks, verification of qualifications and identity, and checks of the right to work in the UK. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant Barred List(s).
We have an inclusive, engaged culture, everyone has a voice, everyone is valued for their contribution and understands the role they play in delivering our strategic priorities. Each voice is heard, each contribution valued. We embrace diversity in our workforce and recognise it is critical to our success. We support an inclusive culture that champions differences and nurtures a sense of belonging. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, who share our values and our commitment to inclusion to apply for roles with us.
If you’d like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process to make it barrier‑free and as accessible as possible please contact recruitment@wirral.gov.uk
Adolescent & Family Worker employer: Wirral Council
Wirral Council is an excellent employer for Children’s Social Workers, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises the development and progression of its staff. With supportive leadership and a commitment to innovation, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adolescent & Family Worker
✨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 Wirral 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 Adolescent & Family Worker
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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Adolescent & Family Worker role at Wirral 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 Wirral Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
