Principal Social Worker in Cheam

Integrated Services Programme (ISP)

A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.
Principal Social Worker
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £44,000 per annum
Base Location: South London
Core Hours: 35 hours per week, 09:00 - 17:00, Monday - Friday
Benefits
30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
Company pension
Life Assurance
Employee Discount Scheme
ISP South London is currently recruiting a Principal Social Worker. Working with the Registered Manager, the Principal Social Worker will develop and manage the service while promoting the ISP therapeutic ethos for employees, Foster Parents and young people to support them to meet their full potential.
The Principal Social Worker will provide day-to-day operational support to the Registered Manager, taking a collaborative approach with Foster Parents in order to identify how the Centre teams and other ISP services can best provide appropriate input to the placement, ensuring that there is access to the range of disciplines within ISP.
To ensure that the safety and welfare of all young people placed at ISP is promoted and that their best interests are at the centre of our thinking and planning.
Requirements
Hold a recognised social work qualification, current registration with Social Work England and post-qualifying and supervisory experience as a social worker
Previous experience of fostering and children and families social work
Experience of supervising staff is desirable
Able to challenge effectively
Able to engage others, demonstrate teamwork and bring creative flair
A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation pertaining to fostering and children's services as well as publications which inform current thinking regarding good practice and the safeguarding of children
Full driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
Core Tasks
Provide day-to-day operational support to the Registered Manager to oversee all the staff working in the registration and the services delivered, ensuring that children are receiving foster care and additional services of the highest standard
Ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements are complied with in daily operations
Undertake the supervision and performance appraisal of identified staff members
Work collaboratively with Foster Parents, enlisting and valuing their expertise and experience
Understand and enjoy the challenge of working with children with trauma backgrounds in order to play a key role in extending ISP's expertise and reputation for success
Facilitate strong, positive relationships within the Polaris Community, with other staff, across all services and with external partners to contribute to increasing the quality of services offered to, and the opportunities and progress enjoyed by children
Develop relationships with external partners, working collaboratively to anticipate and resolve childcare and service issues
Make a positive contribution towards the agency's development plans
Hold a caseload of Foster Parents as appropriate and when required by the service
Carry out other work or projects as required and agreed with the Registered Manager
Deputise for the Registered Manager, including attending meetings, chairing team meetings and Foster Parent Support Groups
Staff Management Responsibilities
Regular formal and informal supervision of staff as detailed in the supervision agreement
Recruit and select staff
Ensure the appropriate induction of newly appointed staff is completed
Complete probation reviews and annual appraisals in line with ISP's policies and procedures
Comply with the equal opportunities policy and procedure in all employment practices
Contribute to the development of social work practice within the service
Business and Commercial Responsibilities
Meet with commissioning teams to discuss individual packages of care and/or service development opportunities
Represent ISP Fostering in a business capacity
Contribute towards the growth and development of the business by implementing key areas identified in the business plan agreed through supervision
Ensure a team understanding of the different placement packages and identify recharges where appropriate
Supervision and Support of Foster Parents
Monitor the suitability and competence of Foster Parents, ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children and young people
Ensure that Foster Parents fully understand the fostering task, competencies to be achieved and the standards expected, including complaints and representations procedures as detailed in the ISP Fostering policies and procedures
Work in partnership with all professionals to identify any needs within the foster family e.g. respite, activities, therapy, holidays, with all members of the child's network, including contributing to all relevant meetings and any other tasks defined
Identify the learning and development needs of Foster Parents and recommend action as required
Attend and/or arrange meetings to support Foster Parents, children and young people
Take a lead role in the resolution of any disputes arising between Foster Parents and other professionals
Support Foster Parents in preparing children and young people for independent or semi-independent living
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Work in partnership with the placing local authority to ensure that the child and young person's needs as identified in the Care Plan and placement agreement are met
Ensure that comprehensive case recordings are completed and maintained
Demonstrate and ensure that the team has a sound knowledge of child safeguarding procedures
Participate in negotiation between ISP Fostering and local authorities to ensure that each child or young person placed is carefully matched with a Foster Parent capable of meeting their needs
Ensure all required paperwork and procedures in relation to Critical Incidents and Notifiable Events are completed and shared with relevant parties
Ensure the necessary risk assessments are completed in line with ISP Fostering policies and procedures
Ensure compliance with the Social Work England, or equivalent body, requirements necessary to retain job title and registration
Attend social, educational and leisure activities relating to the support of children, young people and Foster Parents
In consultation with the Registered Manager, ensure that learning and development needs meet the requirements of professional development
Provide Out of Hours cover when required and inform Foster Parents how 24-hour emergency support can be obtained
Working Relationships
Report to the Registered Manager
Liaise closely with the Referrals Team
Work with the Fostering Team and panel members to ensure panel business is in line with best practice and ISP policy
Meet with commissioning teams to discuss individual packages of care and/or service development opportunities
Work with directors, managers and the Central Services Team within the Polaris Community
Work with staff, foster parents and children throughout ISP Fostering and the wider Polaris Community
Administration
Take responsibility for administration in relation to the social work tasks to include file administration, typing of all communication, reports and recordings
Effectively use all available electronic information systems, including timely and accurate data entry into relevant systems as required
Health and Safety
Ensure that company health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to
Additional Duties
Undertake training and development required for the role
Comply with the Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure in all employment practices
Comply with the no-smoking policy in place
Ensure compliance with safeguarding procedures throughout all work within the agency, keep the Registered Manager informed of work in progress and inform the Registered Manager immediately of any child protection matter or serious complaint
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by ISP.
ISP is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. xohmjla
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.