Newly Qualified Social Worker

Provide a high‑quality, restorative focus social work service to children, families and carers in Leeds. You will work under the ASYE programme with protected caseload, training support, mentorship and a clear career pathway to further roles within the council.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for an allocated caseload under supervision, including assessment and appropriate management of risks; use supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore approaches.
• Consolidate, develop and demonstrate comprehensive understanding of social work theories, methods and evidence‑based practice.
• Carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child‑focused approach in line with statutory procedures.
• Use a child‑focused approach to devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to assessed needs of service users, families and carers.
• Analyse information to support the ongoing needs of users, families and carers.
• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans in accordance with directorate procedures.
• Use safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and suitable for legal contexts.
• Maintain and update case notes, records and prepare reports as required.
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
• Use management information systems and keep them up‑to‑date, providing concise and accurate information while complying with data protection.
• Comply with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with professionals within the council and partner agencies to ensure integrated care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and communities, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Understand and apply all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
• Plan and negotiate appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated responsibility levels.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Organise work activities, prioritise tasks and responsibilities to meet statutory legislation and service priorities.
• Work to and within the Professional Capabilities Framework and prescribed standards for service provision.
• Carry out the role of key worker for a suitable caseload for a newly qualified worker.
• Undertake assessment, planning and review of work concerning children in need, children subject to protection plans and looked‑after children.
• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children, young people, families and carers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Participate in arrangements to receive, screen and respond to service and referral requests.
• With supervision, help children and young people make informed decisions and express their needs during service planning.
• When necessary, work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders.
• Assist in commissioning services and support for children, young people and families.
• Participate in workshops and consultations to develop practice and services.
• Undertake preventative work with families to safeguard children and reduce the need for them to be looked‑after in care.
• Work with relevant agencies, including convening and chairing meetings where appropriate.
• Promote the right to advocacy for all children and young people on your caseload and provide information on making complaints.
• Be available for young people to contact and respond to phone calls promptly and inform them of whom they can contact outside office hours.
• Flexible working arrangements, including evenings or weekends, may be required when completing ongoing casework or in emergency situations.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team in a health and social care setting, maintaining relationships with colleagues, elected members, service users, families, carers and other agencies.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, seeking advice when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Registered with Social Work England upon commencement, with yearly renewal.
• Ability to work flexibly across different locations and areas.
• Proficient in planning, managing, prioritising and evaluating work with service users.
• Strong communication skills to share information accurately and concisely with partners, carers and colleagues.
• Effective engagement with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
• Identify appropriate social work interventions to promote positive change.
• Devising and implementing service and support plans in a person‑centred manner.
• Assess needs of individuals and groups using a person‑centred approach.
• Maintain accurate records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Use technology for evidence, record‑keeping and communication.
• Exercise judgement, assess risk and consult appropriately.
• Reflect critically on practice via supervision and explore different approaches.
• Prepare and author reports.
• Engage with children and young people, incorporating their views into assessments and interventions.
• Knowledge of appropriate social work theory, models and interventions.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation affecting diverse families.
• Basic awareness of IT systems, including Microsoft Office, Internet and email.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and diversity issues.
• Experience with a child‑focused approach and advocacy.
• Creativity in problem solving and commitment to service improvement.
• Application of information‑gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
• Effective use of reflective practice techniques.