Social Worker

Main Purpose of Job: To provide a high quality and effective professional casework service, taking responsibility for working and managing a caseload within a framework of appropriate supervision, dependent upon the complexities of these cases and the social worker’s experience. To comply with legislation, statutory guidance and local policies and procedures. To be competent in all areas of the PCF at Social Worker level and The Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for approved child and family practitioners. Accountabilities: Manage a caseload within a framework of appropriate reflective supervision, undertaking focused, analytical assessments, prepare SMART care plans and reviews that have clear objectives and outcome measures in order to ensure that all looked after children receive a service that reflects the Council’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for our looked after children. Demonstrate and model good practice that reflects a commitment to relationship and strengths-based practice, working collaboratively with children and their families. Work directly with children and young people to establish their lived experiences, wishes and feelings, using a variety of techniques, as required. To work with children and families in a variety of diverse and complex contexts, such as mental ill health, disability, substance misuse, domestic abuse, sexual and criminal exploitation, radicalisation, poverty, discrimination, and immigration. Use the Signs of Safety practice model in assessments and interventions with looked after children, their families and their carers. Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively engage and develop quality Life-story work with all Looked After Children so they have a good understanding of their family and their story both in care and before care. Regularly review the progress and implementation of children’s care plans and update these based on new assessments or significant changes in the child’s circumstances. Demonstrate the ability to influence others in an effort to help coordinate support services in the best way possible to keep children as safe and well cared for as possible. Prepare clear, structured and concise reports for meetings, i.e. Looked After Children Reviews, Permanency Planning Meetings, Legal Planning Meetings and Care Proceedings as necessary, to the required standard and within the prescribed timescales. Keep up to date with research findings, theoretical models and innovative practice within the social work field in order to maintain the highest professional standards. Participate in regular reflective supervision with your manager to review casework and critically reflect on, and identify any areas of learning. Maintain accurate and up to date records in line with Data Protection legislation (GDPR) and use Medway Council specific recording systems to keep contemporaneous case notes, regularly updating records, reports, plans and assessments so that information and planning for the children you work with is the most relevant and current. Maintain a record of continuous professional development in accordance with Social Work England’s guidance. Keep up to date with the Council’s organisational policies, government guidance, legislation, research and national trends in order to maintain the highest professional standards. Qualifications and Experience: Qualified Social Worker. Registered with Social Work England. Successful completion of ASYE year. Experience working with Children and Families. Ability to use ‘Signs of Safety’ or willingness to be trained. Experience in relationships and strength based practice, working collaboratively with children and their families. Experience of undertaking direct work with children and young people. Experience in child protection, looked after children and court work. Demonstrable experience and understanding of permanence planning, with evidence of experience working with cases from proceedings through to adoption and other forms of permanence. Ability to use advanced theoretical/practical/procedural/ organisational /policy knowledge across a specialist area Knowledge and experience of working with vulnerable children in a statutory setting. Knowledge and experience of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, standards and local policies and procedures. Demonstrate awareness of legislation relating to General Data Protection Regulations and Freedom of Information. An understanding of Social Work England’s professional standards. Car driver and daily use of a car for business purposes. Enhanced DBS check.