At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families to keep children safe and promote positive change in their lives.
- Company: Join Sandwell Children's Trust, a leader in child protection and family support.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, retention bonuses, and flexible working patterns.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and at least 2 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting Senior Social Workers to join the Child Protection & Court Teams at Sandwell Children's Trust, located in Oldbury. The role is fixed‑term until July 2027, full‑time (37 hours per week), hybrid working. The Social Worker will work on the Families First Team, supporting families to keep children safe, promoting change in family life, and analysing information to make informed decisions. You will contribute to a pilot locality implementing the Family Help model and participate in a test‑and‑learn environment. The role involves managing a caseload of children & families, providing high‑quality practice and maintaining professional standards.
Qualifications
- Recognised professional Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Completion of ASYE and at least 2 years post‑qualifying experience in a Children & Families setting.
- Good knowledge of child development.
- Proficient in minimum standards and ability to promote positive change in family life.
- Analytical skills and capacity to make informed decisions.
Benefits (Sandwell Deal)
- A market supplement of £2,500 per annum.
- Retention bonuses: £2,000 in year 1, £3,000 in year 2, £5,000 in year 3.
- Generous annual leave of up to 31 days, plus 5 additional days for long‑service recognition.
- Birthday off paid, additional to annual leave, and 8 bank holidays plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
- Local government career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 21.6 %.
- Service awards at 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years thereafter.
- Flexible working patterns and clear career progression.
- Competitive mileage and subsistence expenses (55 p per mile) and a comprehensive employee benefits scheme.
- Pay rate inclusive of market supplement.
Sandwell Children's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
If you require further information on the role or working for us, please email recruitment_childrenstrust@sandwell.gov.uk and a member of our Recruitment Team will be happy to give you a call. Please note that pre‑employment checks will be carried out in line with the Department for Education KCSIE Guidance 2022.
Social Worker - Families First (National Reform Pilot) in Oldbury employer: WMJobs
Sandwell Children's Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With generous benefits including a market supplement, retention bonuses, and flexible working patterns, staff are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Oldbury, this role provides unique opportunities to engage in innovative practices within a pilot locality, fostering a collaborative environment for social workers dedicated to promoting positive change in family life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Families First (National Reform Pilot) in Oldbury
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 - Families First (National Reform Pilot) in Oldbury
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
