Here at Sandwell Children’s Trust, the Children are the focus of all that we do and who better to ask about what makes a GOOD social worker?

So, they told us the most important qualities to them: 

A GOOD LISTENER

SOMEONE WHO IS RELIABLE AND DELIVERS ON PROMISES

SOMEONE WHO'S FOCUS IS ON THEM AND NOT ON OTHER THINGS

A CARING PERSON THAT NOTICE'S THE SMALL THINGS

Are these qualities and values you recognise within yourself? Do you put the child at the heart of everything you do and are you committed to providing the best possible support to the children and families you meet?

If so we want to hear from you!

About the role

We are currently recruiting for Sandwell’s future talent in Children’s Social Work, and with us you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and experience to make a real difference in children’s lives.

We ensure our Newly Qualified social workers are well looked after by enrolling you on to a 12 month Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Programme and having dedicated ASYE Panel members to monitor your development.

You will have regular supervision, be trained in risk assessment tools and restorative practice to achieve the best outcomes for the Children and Families within Sandwell.

Whilst ensuring the wellbeing and safety of the child/young person is paramount, you will work as part of our Care Management Team providing a service that will significantly improve their quality of life. You’ll ensure the best outcome possible for our children, young people and their families, through safeguarding and promoting their welfare. Or, as part of our Safeguarding and Assessment Team where you will develop your skills in undertaking single assessments with children and families to assess their needs and determine the risk of harm posed to children as a result of the referral concerns. You will also develop your knowledge and skills of undertaking section 47 investigations (child Protection), as you will have opportunities to shadow your colleagues and develop a relationship with our partner agencies, including joint working with the police.

You will have a smaller caseload then a more experienced social worker and the cases will increase with complexity as you progress through your ASYE programme. By the end of the 12 months you should be able to consistently demonstrate practice in a wider range of tasks and roles, and have become more effective in their interventions, building in confidence, and earning the confidence of others.

What you need to be successful in this role

• You must be Social Work qualified/about to qualify with some experience of working with children and families
• Be able to communicate effectively at all levels.
• A focused and reliable individual who can demonstrate how they have the child at the heart of their work.
• Someone who really cares about the children they work with.
• Be able to work well in a team
• A current Enhanced DBS and registration with the HCPC is required for this role.