Job Description
Integrated Services Programme (ISP)Principal Social WorkerContract: Full Time, PermanentSalary: Up to £44,000 per annumBase Location: South LondonCore Hours: 35 hours per week, 09:00 - 17:00, Monday - FridayBenefits30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidaysCompany pensionLife AssuranceEmployee Discount SchemeISP 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.
RequirementsHold a recognised social work qualification, current registration with Social Work England and post-qualifying and supervisory experience as a social workerPrevious experience of fostering and children and families social workExperience of supervising staff is desirableAble to challenge effectivelyAble to engage others, demonstrate teamwork and bring creative flairA 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 childrenFull driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposesCore TasksProvide 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 standardEnsure that all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements are complied with in daily operationsUndertake the supervision and performance appraisal of identified staff membersWork collaboratively with Foster Parents, enlisting and valuing their expertise and experienceUnderstand 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 successFacilitate 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 childrenDevelop relationships with external partners, working collaboratively to anticipate and resolve childcare and service issuesMake a positive contribution towards the agency's development plansHold a caseload of Foster Parents as appropriate and when required by the serviceCarry out other work or projects as required and agreed with the Registered ManagerDeputise for the Registered Manager, including attending meetings, chairing team meetings and Foster Parent Support GroupsStaff Management ResponsibilitiesRegular formal and informal supervision of staff as detailed in the supervision agreementRecruit and select staffEnsure the appropriate induction of newly appointed staff is completedComplete probation reviews and annual appraisals in line with ISP's policies and proceduresComply with the equal opportunities policy and procedure in all employment practicesContribute to the development of social work practice within the serviceBusiness and Commercial ResponsibilitiesMeet with commissioning teams to discuss individual packages of care and/or service development opportunitiesRepresent ISP Fostering in a business capacityContribute towards the growth and development of the business by implementing key areas identified in the business plan agreed through supervisionEnsure a team understanding of the different placement packages and identify recharges where appropriateSupervision and Support of Foster ParentsMonitor the suitability and competence of Foster Parents, ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children and young peopleEnsure 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 proceduresWork 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 definedIdentify the learning and development needs of Foster Parents and recommend action as requiredAttend and/or arrange meetings to support Foster Parents, children and young peopleTake a lead role in the resolution of any disputes arising between Foster Parents and other professionalsSupport Foster Parents in preparing children and young people for independent or semi-independent livingSafeguarding Children and Young PeopleWork 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 metEnsure that comprehensive case recordings are completed and maintainedDemonstrate and ensure that the team has a sound knowledge of child safeguarding proceduresParticipate 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 needsEnsure all required paperwork and procedures in relation to Critical Incidents and Notifiable Events are completed and shared with relevant partiesEnsure the necessary risk assessments are completed in line with ISP Fostering policies and proceduresEnsure compliance with the Social Work England, or equivalent body, requirements necessary to retain job title and registrationAttend social, educational and leisure activities relating to the support of children, young people and Foster ParentsIn consultation with the Registered Manager, ensure that learning and development needs meet the requirements of professional developmentProvide Out of Hours cover when required and inform Foster Parents how 24-hour emergency support can be obtainedWorking RelationshipsReport to the Registered ManagerLiaise closely with the Referrals TeamWork with the Fostering Team and panel members to ensure panel business is in line with best practice and ISP policyMeet with commissioning teams to discuss individual packages of care and/or service development opportunitiesWork with directors, managers and the Central Services Team within the Polaris CommunityWork with staff, foster parents and children throughout ISP Fostering and the wider Polaris CommunityAdministrationTake responsibility for administration in relation to the social work tasks to include file administration, typing of all communication, reports and recordingsEffectively use all available electronic information systems, including timely and accurate data entry into relevant systems as requiredHealth and SafetyEnsure that company health and safety policies and procedures are adhered toAdditional DutiesUndertake training and development required for the roleComply with the Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure in all employment practicesComply with the no-smoking policy in placeEnsure 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 complaintThe 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. ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Principal Social Worker in London employer: ISP
As a Part-Time Supervising Social Worker in Fostering, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families across North Cambridgeshire, South Lincolnshire, and Wisbech. Our organisation values employee well-being, offering generous annual leave, a competitive car allowance, and opportunities for professional development, all within a collaborative work culture that prioritises meaningful contributions to the community.
