The Role
We are dedicated to enabling the next generation of children and family social workers and are excited to offer opportunities for newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) to begin their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) with us.
Our Children’s Services have been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for over a decade. In January 2019 Ofsted said “Social workers in their ASYE told inspectors that they felt very well supported and well prepared for the future, and that their work, while protected, ensured they had good exposure to the reality of practice”.
We continue to strive for excellence in our practice and the best possible outcomes for our children and families. We have a well-embedded practice framework, underpinned by clear principles, committed to child centred and family minded social work. We make extensive use of systemic and strengths-based practices, as well as restorative and attachment-informed approaches. In 2017 Ofsted said this was “well resourced and features clinical and group supervision alongside manageable caseloads. This promotes influential and effective direct work with children and families. The model is enabling a flourishing social work culture in the local authority, equipping social workers to address complex local concerns in this highly diverse community”.
We are seeking NQSWs who have the professional potential and personal attributes that our families need. We have an outstanding ASYE scheme and career progression opportunities so if you are committed to improving the life experiences of our children and families, we welcome your application.
As a NQSW you will have:
- 1-1 support and mentoring from Professional Educators, who support all aspects of your learning journey, including your portfolio, and ensure you have a wide range of appropriate learning opportunities and high support
- Monthly developmental days, providing additional quality training from experienced specialist staff, facilitated reflection space, and peer learning
- Fortnightly reflective Action Learning Sets
- A guarantee of at least 6 further days training in systemic practice, restorative and attachment-informed approaches, with much wider training also available.
As a Social Worker choosing Southwark you will benefit from:
- Small teams with high managerial support – a lower ratio of workers to managers than most authorities. Regular group supervision, as well as monthly 1-1 supervision
- Access to further support and targeted specialist interventions from systemic practitioners and psychologists, embedded within teams
- Low caseloads, below the national average, and administrative support, to help you spend more time with families
- A competitive salary (social workers are paid £36,486 rising to £43,404), generous holiday allowance, good pension scheme and flexible working
- Ongoing training and a range of career development opportunities, including Consolidation, and the Foundation Year in Systemic Practice for those who continue their career in Southwark
Start Dates:
We have vacancies to start the ASYE in October 2020 or January 2021 in Assessment and Intervention, Safeguarding and Family Support, Care Services, Leaving Care, Youth Offending Services and Fostering. In some services it may be possible to start earlier as a Social Work Officer, pending qualification/registration.
If you want to make a difference at a local level, click on 'apply now' to start your application.
Additional Details
Please note: We are only accepting applications from those qualifying in 2020.
If you have exceptional circumstances in previously not progressing the ASYE, please email Principal Social Worker jennifer.ranshaw@southwark.gov.uk for consideration.
Recruitment Timetable
Key Dates:
- Closing date: midnight 17th May 2020
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for assessment between 18th and 30th May 2020
- Following successful assessment, candidates will be invited to interview via video link between 26th May and 6th June 2020
We reserve the right to close this advert before the stated closing date. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Information for applicants COVID-19:
Southwark Council are following the most recent Government guidelines surrounding Coronavirus. During this period, we still look forward to receiving your application and if successful, we will be conducting interviews remotely via video link.
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