Kinship Social Worker

We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Kinship service, supporting children and families through assessment, care planning and court processes. This is a rewarding opportunity to work with complex cases, contribute to high-quality assessments and play a key role in securing stable, supportive arrangements for children within their extended families.

As a Social Worker, you will:

• Manage a varied and increasingly complex caseload, including safeguarding responsibilities
• Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention
• Chair professional meetings with multi-agency partners, children and families
• Produce clear, evidence-based assessments, reports and case recordings
• Use evidence and research to inform decision-making and practice
• Support students and new colleagues, including acting as a buddy where required
• Take responsibility for your own supervision, development and reflective practice
• Challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusive outcomes
• Respond proactively to safeguarding and emergency situations

Within the Kinship service, you will:

• Complete detailed, analytical and evidence-based assessments of prospective kinship carers
• Produce high-quality support plans within required timescales
• Work to court deadlines and panel requirements
• Demonstrate knowledge of the child's journey through court, including temporary fostering and kinship arrangements
• Apply understanding of kinship care legislation, frameworks and support options
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Advocate for and offer high level support to Kinship carers and the children in Kinship Arrangements.

We are looking for qualified Social Workers who:

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England
• Have experience of working within children and families social care services, and ideally have experience within kinship and/or fostering
• Have strong assessment and analytical skills
• Have experience working with complex families and have safeguarding knowledge, which applies to all assessment and support work.
• Are organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• Can build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies
• Be a strong team player which includes regular Duty days in the office and mandatory team meetings and team training.

You must have the right to work in the UK. This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to attend the Civic Centre, Uxbridge at least twice a week. Travel is required as part of the Kinship assessment role. All applicants must be available to attend in-person interviews.

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

• Flexible Working Hours
• 36 Hour Week
• Generous Holiday Entitlement
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes
• Cycle to Work
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Perkbox Benefits
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services
• Travel Support
• Trade Union Membership

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.