At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with cancer and their families through emotional and practical challenges.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Young Lives vs Cancer, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, wellbeing days, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding mission to help young lives thrive despite illness.
- Qualifications: Social Worker qualification and experience with children in social care settings.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
Temporary for up to 12 months to cover maternity leave. Hybrid working, part time between home and Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain. The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. We stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time.
About the role: We are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our Birmingham Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with established NHS multi-disciplinary teams and services in the community. This role is hybrid working requiring two to three days per week to be hospital based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital. This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application an enhanced criminal record check will be completed. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually. This role is also subject to a Social Worker Registration.
What will I be doing? You will be committed to changemaking and delivering high‑quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with. You will assess needs and develop an action plan, you will need to be curious, creative, resourceful, courageous and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. You will need a willingness to work collaboratively with the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team; you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.
What do I need? Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop. The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:
- A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
- Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
- Experience of working in a multi‑disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
- Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
- An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
What will I gain? For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to step back from the day‑to‑day and focus on your own learning and development.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it. We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti‑oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities.
Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more. To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you’re considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.
Accessibility: We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
Social Worker (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham employer: Young Lives vs Cancer
Young Lives vs Cancer is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people facing cancer. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, our Newcastle team thrives on collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Young Lives vs Cancer, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Young Lives vs Cancer. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Young Lives vs Cancer. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Lives vs Cancer
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Young Lives vs Cancer.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker (Maternity Cover) role at Young Lives vs Cancer, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Young Lives vs Cancer that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
