Social work opportunities on the Isle of Wight

Are you looking for a new challenge or direction in your career? Would you like to live in a unique area with award winning beaches and beautiful countryside yet is just two hours from London? The Isle of Wight Council is looking for social workers and senior practitioners to work in our children’s social care service and we want to hear from you.

Following a recent Ofsted safeguarding inspection, children’s social care is facing new challenges and we are looking to recruit experienced social workers and senior practitioners to help us on our journey to provide the best service we can for children and young people on the Isle of Wight.

Now working in partnership with Hampshire County Council, we operate a modified reclaiming social work model, with units headed up by consultant social workers and containing between one and three social workers, one children’s practitioner and one unit co-ordinator.

We are offering the exciting opportunity to be a part of improving our practice within our duty, children in need, looked-after children, children with disabilities, and child protection units. You will help us to overcome the challenges we face, building strong working relationships with our partner organisations to move our practice forward and improve outcomes for children and young people on the island.

We can offer you a competitive salary package of between £28,827 and £38,459 per annum, which is enhanced by the lower living costs on the Isle of Wight. We also offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including discounted ferry and bus travel, a discount on the use of fitness and leisure facilities, plus a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days per year plus bank holidays.

Situated off the south coast, just 10 minutes from Portsmouth and 25 minutes from Southampton, the Isle of Wight is a unique place to live and work. Almost half of this rural island is an area of outstanding natural beauty and with over 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore; there are always exquisite views to enjoy and new places to discover.

The Island is a hotspot for internationally renowned events including the Isle of Wight Walking Festival (Europe’s biggest walking festival), the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival, the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, and Cowes Week, widely recognised as the largest sailing regatta of it’s kind in the world.

The chldren’s social care service is based at County Hall in the town of Newport, in the centre of the island and many of our partner organisations are located just a short walk away. County Hall itself has recently undergone a transformation creating bright, open-plan working environments where all of our units and managers are based.

If you would like to speak to someone about the opportunity to work in children’s social work on the Isle of Wight, or would simply like further information, please contact David Johnston, interim service manager, or Maurice Emberson, head of service, on 01983 821000 ext. 6288.

The Isle of Wight Council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Safer Recruitment policy and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The Isle of Wight Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

More detailed information about this exciting opportunity can be found at www.iwight.com/socialwork, where you can also find all you need to apply online. You can also telephone 01983 823134 or email callcentre@iow.gov.uk if you need further information about applying. Completed applications should be returned to Human Resources, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.

The island is a place of great beauty and strong contrasts. From historic sites to natural delights and major national events, it is a unique place to live and work and has something for everyone.

Come and see what we can offer you!