Social Worker - DGA11870

Social Worker (Fixed Term) Stranraer/ Dumfries £41,238 - £44,223

Justice Social Work provides a Social Work service to individuals who have offended, who have appeared before the criminal courts and who are subject to supervision in the community as conditions of Court Orders or Post Custody Licence. As part of the Social Work Department we are partners in the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

In the broader Public Protection arena, we are partners in the assessment of and management of high-risk offenders through the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). We currently have a need to recruit two Social Workers on a temporary contract up to 12 months to assist in the production of Criminal Justice Social Work Reports to the Courts within Dumfries and Galloway and occasionally further afield. This essential role is vital to assist the Court in its sentencing and offers Justice Social Work a unique opportunity to begin the assessment and intervention journey.

The Criminal Justice Social Work Report will provide advice in respect of risk assessments, highlight the needs of individuals alongside recommending interventions and appropriate sentencing options.

Alongside this, there is a need for a Temporary Social Worker to be part of a test of change exercise working within the Early Interventions Team. A temporary Social Worker is required to run a test of change project over a 12-month period. The temporary social worker would oversee the test of change across the region regarding the service delivery model of low intensity Community Payback Orders, low intensity Throughcare and HDC assessments.

The temporary Social Worker would be working with the Senior Social Worker and Social Work assistants to identify:

• What support and guidance are required by Social Work Assistants to deliver low intensity CPOs
• What knowledge and skills do Social Work Assistants require to manage low intensity CPOs
• What training is required for Social Work Assistants
• What, if any, role would Social Workers have
• The future service delivery model for Low Intensity Community Payback Orders across Dumfries and Galloway.

In addition, there may be occasions where the temporary Social Worker would be asked to assist with other necessary tasks delivered by Justice Social Work. Justice Social Work is committed to a high professional standard of practice and continuous development and all necessary support in the role of Casual Social Worker- Criminal Justice Social Work Report author will be provided.

Responsible to the Senior Social Worker, you will work across the region in respect of the production of Criminal Justice Social Work Reports. We wish to recruit to the positions of Social Worker (Temporary Contract- Up to 12 Months) x2 covering the duty of production of Criminal Justice Social Work Reports for the Courts in Dumfries and Galloway alongside potential out of region reports where the report subject resides within Dumfries and Galloway. We also require a Temporary Social Worker for the Test of Change project within the Early Interventions Team.

You will require to have good personal and professional skills and an ability to relate effectively to service users, their families, and to a range of other agencies. A Dip SW/CQSW/CSS qualification or equivalent is essential. You must also be registered with the SSSC or be in the process of registration and willing to maintain registered status. You will have a demonstrable knowledge of and commitment to Justice Social Work.

Requirements

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of these posts. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged. These posts are considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

Informal enquiries to: Andrew Westbrook Team Manager 01776 888400/ 07833479244 Lyn Blackwell Team Manager 01387 273762