SWIIS - FAQ

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What are the minimum registration requirements?

For social work recruitment, all candidates must be at least 18 years old and either have 12 months paid social work experience or possess a relevant social work qualification.

Will SWIIS have work for me?

At SWIIS you will be part of an extensive register of quality social work practitioners and managers.

It’s important that we understand your preferences, professional interests and strengths before you register. By using a thorough application and recruitment process, this enables our clients to receive accurate information to match against their human resource needs. It also ensures you being placed into an assignment for which you’re ideally suited.

How can I register with SWIIS?

You can register now or request a registration form from your local SWIIS office. Your completed registration form should be sent, with a current CV, to your local office. An appointment with a recruitment consultant will be arranged at which you will need to provide evidence of your professional and other relevant qualifications.

Because you are expected to work with children and young people, necessary checks via the Criminal Records Bureau will have to be undertaken.

For candidates with a disability, contact your local SWIIS office, where we will endeavour to provide you with any specialist facilities required.

All candidates will be required to complete a health questionnaire.

How long does it take to register?

This depends on how quickly we receive your completed application form and obtain the necessary references and checks. We will then arrange an interview before finally registering you as available for placement. To speed up the process of placement, why not register online now.

How much can I earn?

Our fees are met entirely by the client, not taken out of your salary. We pride ourselves on negotiating a competitive rate of pay, reflecting your experience and any increments you may have earned. This means you’ll be paid an enhanced rate on whatever pay scale is used by the client (usually NJC).

How will I be paid?

You’ll be paid weekly direct into your bank/building society account against an authorised timesheet. If you’re self-employed, you can be paid gross on receipt of an invoice, authorised timesheet and evidence of schedule D status. If not, SWIIS will deduct the appropriate legal rates of income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Expenses and subsistence will be paid at rates agreed and authorised by the client. Relevant receipts will need to accompany any submitted claims.

Who will be my employer?

You will have obligations to SWIIS and to the care provider you’re working for. In return, both SWIIS and the client will have responsibilities to you. For instance, we would expect you to respect all of the client’s conventions and procedures (such as Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety), whereas it is the client’s responsibility to ensure your full and proper induction into their organisation.

Who will be my employer? – Education Recruitment

You will have obligations to SWIIS and the school you are working for. In return, both SWIIS and the school will have responsibilities to you. You will be issued with a SWIIS identification card for security purposes.

If, for any reason, you are unable to attend your place of work, you must inform SWIIS and your school at the earliest opportunity.

You are expected to comply with all your school’s policies and procedures such as Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety.

You must comply with the requirements of the school as they relate to arrival time, what’s to be taught, marking of course work, supervision etc.

The care and safety of young children must always remain of paramount importance. You must follow the school’s policies designed to ensure this. Younger children in particular must never be left unattended.

Physical punishment or inappropriate physical contact with children must be avoided.

What support can I expect?

We know that making available the right level of support can be important for you to perform well in your placement. SWIIS ensures that where such support is needed, it is provided. You will have available a named recruitment consultant whose role is to facilitate your progress through each assignment.

Placement support you can expect to receive includes:

Initial induction training
Hotline support
Placement review
Placement visits

What support can I expect from schools? – Education Recruitment

We have a clear policy with schools which states that they should:

provide a named member of staff to whom you report throughout your placement
brief you about general procedures and policies before you enter the classroom or take on other duties
arrange for appropriate work to be set or give an indication of the curriculum which the pupils have been following prior to your placement
provide a supportive environment for you where you will be treated in the same way as permanent members of staff
provide you with constructive feedback on your contribution
complete timesheets and other documents on time

What will be the length of my contract?

SWIIS can arrange placements that are either emergency, respite, short or long term. Once registered with us you will have the opportunity to undertake a variety of ongoing assignments of various lengths. The choice is yours.