At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reviews and develop prison-based social work to make a real difference.
- Company: Join the National Social Work Agency, collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel to engage with prison teams.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on justice social work in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and strong collaboration skills required.
Do you want an exciting opportunity to join the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as Professional Social Work Adviser for Justice Social Work (JSW)? You will be based in the NSWA, working alongside Scottish Government (SG) and Scottish Prison Service (SPS) officials, social work managers, practitioners and key stakeholders in a professional social work adviser role.
This impactful role will focus, in particular, on leading a review to consider and develop the current provision of prison based social work (PBSW) across the SPS estate and offers the chance to make a real difference for those living and working within the prison estate.
You will provide professionally-based expertise and advice across the NSWA, SPS and SG Community Justice policy division relating to PBSW. As part of a broader team of Professional Social Work Advisers, you will also provide support to the National Chief Social Work Adviser and depute on relevant issues and offer professional advice on broader justice social work issues and links with other areas of social work.
Collaboration with social work sector partners is vital, with local government, local leaders and social work employers. The Scottish Social Work Partnership has been formed; an alliance, between NSWA, COSLA and Social Work Scotland, with involvement with sector partners. As a principal partner in the partnership, you will help drive forward the joint vision for a skilled, supported and sustainable workforce – one that is equipped to meet the needs of Scotland’s people now and in the future.
There will be an expectation that the post holder will be able to travel to prison establishments as the role will necessitate regular engagement with prison based teams and in person meetings.
Professional Justice Social Work Adviser employer: Work For Scotland
Joining the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as a Professional Social Work Adviser for Justice Social Work offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within Scotland's prison system. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, NSWA fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and the well-being of both staff and service users. Located at the heart of Scotland's justice reform efforts, this role not only provides meaningful work but also the chance to be part of a visionary partnership aimed at creating a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Justice Social Work Adviser
✨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 Work For Scotland.
✨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 Work For Scotland!
✨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 Work For Scotland, 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 Work For Scotland 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 Professional Justice Social Work Adviser
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 Work For Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Work For Scotland! 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 Work For Scotland
✨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.
