At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care through child-centred planning and meaningful relationships.
- Company: Join Walsall's OUTSTANDING local authority dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth and the chance to help reunite families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced social workers with a passion for child-centred practice.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Children are at the heart of Walsall local authority. They receive support, help and services that reduce risks for them and meet their needs. (Ofsted, 2025) Join our OUTSTANDING local authority as an experienced social worker within our children in care team.
Within Children in Our Care, you will be supported by experienced team managers and skilled social work practitioners who are committed to working alongside you to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice. You will work with children, young people, carers, families and partner agencies to ensure that the voices, wishes and feelings of children are at the heart of care planning and review meetings. You will be supported to build meaningful relationships with children and to help them understand their experiences, identity and plans for the future. You will have access to a strong training and development offer, including opportunities to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to undertake meaningful therapeutic life story work with children and young people.
This is an exciting time to join Children in Our Care in Walsall as we strengthen our ethos of supporting children in care for now, while also ensuring that, wherever possible and safe, children are reunified with their family and wider social networks. We are developing clear pathways to support social workers and specialist practitioners to help children live with the people they love and who are important to them.
Responsibilities- Work with children, young people, carers, families and partner agencies to support child‑centred care planning.
- Build meaningful relationships with children and assist them in understanding their experiences, identity and future plans.
- Collaborate with team managers and practitioners to deliver high‑quality practice.
- Engage in therapeutic life story work and other developmental activities with children and young people.
We are looking for experienced practitioners who are passionate and committed to supporting children in our care. You will be confident in building meaningful relationships with children and young people, as well as with their carers, families and wider social networks, ensuring that children feel listened to, understood and supported. You will bring a child‑centred and relationship‑based approach to your practice, with a strong commitment to helping children feel safe, loved and connected to the people who matter most to them.
Qualifications must declare any periods abroad and provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate or Statement of Good Conduct if applicable. Fluency in English as required by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. Experience and skills as described in the job description.
Senior Social Worker (Children in Our Care) - Ref: CH04226 employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker (Children in Our Care) - Ref: CH04226
✨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 Senior Social Worker (Children in Our Care) - Ref: CH04226
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.
