At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families as a newly qualified social worker in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a free gym, and local discounts.
- Other info: Experience a vibrant community with excellent transport links and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a newly qualified social worker with a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 39862 - 39862 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for an ASYE Newly Qualified Social Worker to join our Children’s Services here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis. At Wokingham, our ASYE Social Workers are valued and invested in by means of supportive management, and a dedicated in-house ASYE Programme; which is run by our Principal Social Worker and Practice Consultants. Having an in-house run ASYE Programme allows us to take a unique approach in how our newly qualified Social Workers are supported and coached to become confident and well-rounded professionals, with sound knowledge and expertise in a range of different safeguarding scenarios.
ASYE Social Workers at Wokingham can expect to benefit from the following programme highlights (on an individual basis):
- Individual bespoke learning plan for the year
- Three review points during your year, designed to develop your caseload at an appropriate rate
- Monthly reflective supervision (focusing on your personal development) with your dedicated Practice Consultant (with additional support available to suit your unique requirements)
- Monthly ‘check-in’ session, to learn about new processes
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
- Generous Annual Leave - 28 days per annum (rising by 5 days with 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
- GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities Including running, football, cricket & more
We believe in creating a supportive environment amongst your fellow social workers. To build this culture of peer support we also provide:
- Monthly ASYE group mornings
- Monthly ASYE group supervisions and case discussions
- Shadowing/buddy-up scheme across the teams
- Team-based group supervisions
As an ASYE at Wokingham, you will find an environment where your practice can flourish and learning and development is promoted. Many of our current Social Workers, Assistant Team Managers and Team Managers started with us as ASYEs. Wokingham Children’s Services are proud to have successfully retained over 80% of our ASYE workforce over the past 5 years.
Quotes from our ASYEs:
- “Wokingham ASYE has been a very positive experience for me. Right from the beginning at the recruitment stage you are made to feel so welcome and safe. This warm approachable and supportive feeling is carried on throughout the ASYE year by the Principal Social Worker and Practice Consultants.”
- “The ASYE program in Wokingham does exactly what it says on the tin. As a newly qualified social worker you are supported to grow, learn and develop without feeling overwhelmed. With an induction that has continued to go from strength to strength over the 6 years since I started as a student and with a management group that listen to feedback and implement positive change to the program as a result of this.”
- “The best decision I have made in my Social Work career is joining the Wokingham ASYE programme. The Wokingham ASYE programme provided me with the support and security I needed to explore and develop my skills and knowledge at a pace that I felt in control of, while still providing the challenge I needed to progress.”
Our Area: Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Interview date: W/C 21st September. All interviews will take place in person, in Wokingham.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
ASYE Social Worker, Children's Services in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer for ASYE Social Workers, offering a supportive environment with a dedicated in-house ASYE Programme that fosters professional growth and confidence. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a free onsite gym, and a range of lifestyle discounts, all while working in a vibrant area known for its excellent transport links and community spirit. With a strong focus on peer support and development, Wokingham has successfully retained over 80% of its ASYE workforce, making it a fantastic place to start your social work career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASYE Social Worker, Children's Services in Wokingham
✨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 Wokingham Borough 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 Wokingham Borough 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 Wokingham Borough 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 Wokingham Borough Council 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 ASYE Social Worker, Children's Services in Wokingham
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 Wokingham Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wokingham Borough 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 Wokingham Borough 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.
