Social Worker (Children's Services) - 2 Positions Available - Intake & Assessment Team - EAL12901

East Lothian Children’s Services have an exciting opportunity for a social worker to join their Intake and Assessment Team, which consists of 2 team leaders, senior practitioners, social workers, family support workers and administrative support. This team is the single point of entry for all referrals to children’s services in East Lothian. We are committed to keeping The Promise and keeping children, young people and their families’ voices at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to support children and young people to live with their families when it is safe to do so.

We aim to ensure that the right support is offered at the right time and our staff are involved in developing services and implementing improvement activity around this goal. We have an accessible senior management team who are committed to recruiting the best people to complement the wide range of knowledge and experience that exists throughout the service and are committed to promoting an open and trusting culture at all levels of the organisation with ongoing opportunities for continuous professional development and learning.

We recognise our staff are our greatest asset, and strive to be supportive, inclusive and child-centred by prioritising effective supervision, manageable caseloads and a healthy work-life balance. Applicants should have a sound value base, excellent communication, report writing skills and a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Child Protection processes and relevant legislation.

In East Lothian, our social workers' practice is focused on the Signs of Safety Assessment framework with an emphasis on relationship-based interventions. Working as part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced and varied environment, you will undertake child protection and child-in-need assessments and undertake direct, time-limited work with children/young people and their families. You will contribute to the work of the team on a duty-rota and carry an allocated short-term caseload of children and young people.

We benefit from access to a clinical psychologist who supports our staff with complex work. We recognise the emotional impact of the role and strive to promote staff resilience.

To provide an effective service to vulnerable children, young people and their families/carers, promoting a high standard of practice, in accordance with statutory obligations, policies and procedures.

Education/Qualifications Essential: Approved qualification in Social Work, and SSSC registration. Those with international Social Work qualifications should not apply unless they are fully registered with the SSSC.

Driving Licence: Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle. PVG Membership: This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outside the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo. If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team. If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk. Please note: We do not accept CVs (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the online application form.