Social Worker - DGA13201

We require a Social Worker to join our Children and Families Team who has the energy and enthusiasm necessary to make a significant contribution to the work of the team and improve outcomes for children and their families throughout the West of our region, primarily covering the Stewartry area.

Dumfries and Galloway’s Children and Families Team offers an interesting variety of casework as the team works with children, young people and their families from the point of referral and maintains support and intervention for as long as is required. The team undertakes initial assessments of need and risk, giving consideration to individualised plans and what supports and interventions are needed to improve safety and wellbeing. As part of this, there is the opportunity to work with children and young people who are involved in the Children’s Hearing System, who are Looked After at home or accommodated and those supported through Child’s Plans including Child Protection plans. You will therefore have the opportunity to gain experience in an aspect of Children and Families work that interests you.

We are an authority that is committed to improving standards and service delivery, where children and their families are at the centre of what we do. To support this, we use a ‘Signs of Safety’ integrated framework for interventions with a focus on relationship and strengths-based practice. The working day in a Children and Families team can’t be predicted, thus it is essential that you feel supported. You will receive good support and regular supervision. We offer flexible working and endeavour to support Social Workers to meet their own child or family’s needs. The team is committed to supporting each other and management are committed to the development of our staff.

Requirements

As well as having excellent communication skills, you will be a self-motivated, dynamic individual who is committed to promoting and ensuring that children and young people remain the focus of your work. You will have the skills to initiate and develop effective working relationships with children, young people, their families, colleagues and other agencies and contribute to the development of the team and your own professional development. An understanding of the effects that drug and alcohol misuse can have on parenting would be beneficial as would an understanding of the effects that domestic violence has on children and young people, and how this can disrupt parenting. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the effects of poverty and social isolation on children and their families. You will need to have a sound knowledge of child development and the ability to empower parents to meet the changing developmental needs of their child. Any experience of statutory and non-statutory interventions, Looked After Children, dealings with the Children’s Hearing service is beneficial. However, you will be required to have an understanding of Child Protection, thresholds and procedures and be knowledgeable about current research and legislation.

Dumfries and Galloway is an ideal place to live for those looking for a good quality of life with rural woodland and miles of coastline to explore and the advantage of competitive living costs. The location is easily accessible to Cumbria, Northern Ireland and Scotland’s Central belt. A relevant Social Work qualification is essential as is registration with the Scottish Social Work Services Council.

Responsibilities

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, 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 where they were resident. A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

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 membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland), 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: Laura Bleasdale, Team Manager on 07834567870 or laura.bleasdale@dumgal.gov.uk or Alan Paterson on 07709479640 or Alan.Paterson@dumgal.gov.uk