At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced parents in their journey to parenthood with practical and emotional guidance.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on child development and family support in Wirral.
- Benefits: Regular supervision, emotional wellbeing support, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of creating safe, nurturing environments for children and families.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of child development and experience in delivering child-focused interventions required.
In collaboration with Wirral's Leaving Care service, an exciting opportunity is now available for an Infant & Family Worker with a specific focus on supporting parents who are care‑experienced to join the Pre‑Birth & Infant team.
About the Role
We are seeking an empathetic professional to support prospective and new parents in their transition into parenthood. Working within the Pre‑Birth & Infant Team, you will provide practical and emotional support to help families create safe, nurturing environments and prioritise their child’s development and wellbeing. You will work with families across the Wirral and regularly be based at the ‘Our Space’ Hub, building strong relationships with care‑experienced parents.
About the Candidate
As this role specifically supports families antenatally and those with young children up to the age of 5 years, it is vital that you have a sound knowledge of child development in the early years and an understanding of how trauma and other vulnerabilities such as poverty, domestic abuse and inconsistent parenting can impact on babies and young children's developmental outcomes. You must have a sound understanding of the Best Start in Life agenda and are committed to working systemically across the early years sector. You should be experienced in delivering appropriate, timely, child‑focused interventions which positively impact on a child's daily lived experience, and be able to communicate effectively with parents to ensure such work is successful. Confidence in assessing need and providing a robust approach to risk management in line with Wirral's threshold of need guidance is required. The role is varied and fast‑paced; you will need to manage these challenges appropriately, and will receive regular case supervision and welfare‑based conversations to ensure your emotional wellbeing and resilience are prioritised. You are committed to putting the child at the heart of your decision‑making.
Eligibility and Conditions
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant Barred List(s). Candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK before commencing employment. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process.
For more information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Beverley Smith on email beverleysmith@wirral.gov.uk.
Infant & Family Worker employer: Wirral Council
Join a compassionate team dedicated to supporting care-experienced parents in Wirral as an Infant & Family Worker. Our organisation prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering regular supervision and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions. With a focus on creating safe, nurturing environments for families, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment at the heart of our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Infant & Family Worker
✨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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Wirral Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Wirral Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wirral 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 Wirral 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.
