Social Worker, Justice Social Work

Job Purpose:

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on this link and the Job Profile attached. These explain the job role and the type of person we're looking for.

Location: Spring Garden, Aberdeen

Duration: Permanent, Full Time

Roles that require PVG Membership

Please note that with effect from 1 April 2023, where a role requires PVG membership, candidates will be required to meet the cost of the PVG membership. This applies only to roles with a full time equivalent salary of £30,000 and above. (Teaching roles and jobs at Grade 11 and above (currently £30,727 per annum / £15.97 per hour)

The Council will pay for the PVG membership cost initially, either £18 for existing PVG scheme members, or £59 for non-members, and this cost will be deducted from an employee’s first FULL month’s salary payment.

job purpose/about the role

To deliver a statutory social work service to reduce reoffending and enhance public protection, through the effective management of people who have committed offences, in line with National Outcomes and Standards, Adult, Child and Community Protection principles & procedures

Justice Social Work is a busy service delivered by nine teams across three sites (Pre-Disposal, 3 x Community Payback Order, Unpaid Work, Throughcare, Caledonian, Women’s Services and Support Work). We are committed to the principles of early intervention and prevention; relationship-based practice; practical assistance where possible and tenacious outreach when necessary. This post is based with the Pre-Disposal Team and includes duties within the local Courts. We work with individuals who have committed offences at all levels of risk and need. This includes those who have committed offences of a sexual, domestic abuse and/or violent nature with whom work can be complex and challenging. While supervision and training is provided it is acknowledged that this type of work is not for everyone, and may be traumatising for some, so we would ask that you think carefully or seek further information before registering interest. 

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

Professional Social Work qualification (i.e. BA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)
SSSC Registration
Protection of Vulnerable Group Check (PVG)

The postholder is able to demonstrate:

• Relating to, and working with, a wide range of professionals, service users and carers
• Supporting people who have challenging and complex needs
• Knowledge of proactive responses to challenging behaviour
• An ability to manage both risk and constant and often competing demands
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with service users, professionals
and across a range of settings
• Making decisions and take responsibility for own practice, seeking advice and support as necessary
• Working with vulnerable and hard to reach service users including knowledge of mental health, alcohol and drug use, and other partner agencies
• Maintaining up to date knowledge of theory, practice, policy and legislation relevant to
the post
• Adult and Child Protection
• Anti-discriminatory practice
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to deliver, monitor and evaluate agreed outcomes

About Us

Please see Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact AskHR@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk. We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our roles and who:

• have a disability
• are care-experienced and aged 16-29
• are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
• have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
• are New Scots aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

Further information can be found at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/jobs