Social Work Assistant (Children)

Service: Health and Social Care Partnership

Closing Date: Tuesday 25th March 2025

 

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be an integral part of the Children and Families Social Work team in Dunoon working with individuals, families, carers and/or communities to support them to achieve their outcomes.

Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most stunning areas. As its award-winning council, we play a vital part in the day-to-day life and long-term future of our beautiful and diverse communities. Our unwavering purpose is to make Argyll and Bute the place to be, the place where people want to live, to work and do business. And we are committed to making the council the place to have a great career, by providing excellent benefits and a friendly, dynamic working culture so that each of our 5000 colleagues can deliver services that help our corner of Scotland thrive. Join us to make a difference.

Working under the direction of the Social Work Team Manager to facilitate and ensure the welfare and protection of looked after and accommodated children by providing transport and supervising contact with parents and/or other relevant persons. Direct engagement with children and their families will be key to the post.

You will provide advice, guidance and practical assistance to vulnerable children and their families as part of a wider Child’s Plan. Tasks will also include participation in: assessments, care planning, monitoring and reviewing in the context of joint and multi-agency working as appropriate to the needs of service users and carers to improve outcomes for children.

It is desirable that the successful candidate will have worked extensively with children and families; including parenting support.

To deliver these services in accordance with current relevant legislation, Council and HSCP policies, procedures and standards and SSSC codes of conduct.

Essential

SVQ 3 in a social service related discipline for example Health & Social Care – Can be working towards this qualification

The jobholder will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Argyll and Bute and beyond to meet the operational requirements of the Service.

PVG membership in relation to children

Ability to work evenings and weekends on a planned basis

Postholder will be confident, articulate and have an enthusiastic and positive outlook

They will be well motivated with a commitment to Social Work values and the expectations of SSSC codes of conduct

Committed to work as part of a team and with other teams, disciplines or services

Committed to personal learning and development

Flexible and thoughtful in their approach to work

An ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with children and families

Essential to promote anti-discriminatory practice and social work values in all activities

Understanding of the role and function of Social Work

Understanding the principles of Getting It Right For Every Child

Previous experience of working in a social work or health care setting

Experience of working with vulnerable children

Desirable

A relevant qualification at Scottish Credit and Education Framework (SCEF) Level 7

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

Ability to use own initiative appropriately and demonstrate innovative thinking

Resilience and ability to manage competing demands

Experience of delivering parenting programmes or other group work

Knowledge of relevant Social Work legislation

Knowledge of welfare benefit system

Working in an inter-agency setting

Working in small teams

Experience of participating in assessments

Experience of working intensively with children or families in crisis or at risk.

Our employees make good things happen in the day-to-day life and for the longer term future of Argyll and Bute. We want you to feel valued working for us. We offer various benefits to support you, such as a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave entitlement, cycle to work scheme, discounts on gym memberships and leisure centres, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for learning and career growth. We also embrace a modern approach to work, offering a flexible first approach where possible to requests from our employees to how they work.

We care about our people and the world around us and always aim to do the right thing. From employee recognition schemes to environmental policies we have many initiatives in place to help us look after the things we all care about.

Learn more here https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-council/jobs-and-careers/working-us

Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

Applicants should note that:-

• Happy to talk about flexible working arrangements. 
• This post is not suitable for job share. 
• The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2013, as amended, applies to this post.  
• This post requires Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) Membership in relation to working with children.  

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page. 

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description you will require to speak with the recruiting manager, who is

Stacey Ellis - Social Work Team Manager

Telephone Number: 01369 800376

Email: Stacey.Ellis@argyll-bute.gov.uk 

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.  

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.  

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy