Newly Qualified and Level 1 Social Worker

Passionate Social Workers Required Across Lincolnshire

Are you an enthusiastic, ambitious and above all else passionate Social Worker? Do you believe that “Putting Children First” is the key to successful outcomes for children and families? If you can answer yes to both questions, then Lincolnshire County Council may just be the place you belong.

Childrens Social Work at Lincolnshire County Council

Our Childrens Social Work teams are amongst the absolute best in the country. We have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted and in our recent inspection in April 2023 we maintained this judgement which we are very proud of. We are not about to let up on our progress and development though! As an organisation we are extremely proud of the work our teams undertake and this pride shines through from every member of the teams.

Our practice model is “Signs of Safety” and this is underpinned by a firm commitment to restorative practice, working in a way where the strengths of the family and their network are honoured and families are supported to develop their own solutions. Most importantly, we believe the voice of the child should be at the very heart of every plan.

About the Role of a Level 1 Social Worker

As a Level 1 Social Worker in our teams, you'll use your skills, knowledge and experience to manage a range of cases from assessment to ongoing interventions, leading on these from start to finish  - meaning children and families have consistency of Social Workers. You'll work directly with children, young people and their families along with other stakeholders and partners to build a brighter future for the children and families of Lincolnshire. The children and families that we work with face a range of challenges, and if you join one of our FAST teams, your caseload will be extremely varied, allowing you the opportunity and experience to grow as a practitioner and develop your skills and confidence. You'll also co-work more complex caseloads alongside more experienced Social Workers helping you make the right decisions when it matters most.

About the Role of a Newly Qualified Social Worker

We believe that the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) is a crucial part of your professional development, that's why our NQSW's undertaking their ASYE are given a protected and reduced workload to enable time for learning and development. The comprehensive programme has been designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and capability and strengthen your professional confidence.

During the 12 month ASYE programme, you can expect to receive regular, high quality, reflective supervision (weekly for the first 6 weeks; fortnightly until the mid-point review at six months and monthly thereafter). You'll be observed on multiple occasions which affords the opportunity to involve service users and/or carers in your assessment. You'll complete Critical Reflection Logs, which is fundamental in developing critical reflective practice. You'll also complete a formal personal supervision and take part in monthly group learning making sure you have all of the knowledge and training you need to complete your ASYE.

To learn more about our teams take a look at the attached Social Care Brochure.

About Our Offer

We know that being a Social Worker can be challenging and often emotional but, we also know from experience that it’s a very rewarding career.  This is why you will be surrounded by a supportive, caring and compassionate team.

You will receive monthly formal professional and case supervision, and take part in monthly group learning and team meetings with an annual team development day too. Our managers are always on hand and our practitioners say that the informal, ad hoc supervision they receive, plus the support they get from colleagues to test out their thinking, is absolutely invaluable.

Your continued professional development will be as important to us as it is to you, and your learning and development will remain in focus, not just during your annual appraisal.  Our offer of complimentary access to the Research in Practice online platform and access to the Social Work Theory app for our ASYE's further demonstrates this. Alongside our excellent in-house training offer, you will also have the opportunity to complete fully funded PQ modules.

Along with a competitive salary of £34,314 - £37,938 + 15% for FAST Teams we also offer;

• A Contributory pension.
• Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work.
• Flexible working policies.
• Career progression opportunities..
• A generous annual leave entitlement plus the option to buy more

• A re-location package (see attached brochure)

Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure.

What Next

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Laura Bonner via email laura.bonner@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your covering letter/personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council. 

Applications close on 18th November and interviews will be held on 26th November.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.