Social Worker - Children with Disabilities

About The Role The Council, its staff and partners, were delighted in August 2018, when Ofsted judged the overall effectiveness of children’s social care services to be ‘outstanding’. We were especially pleased that our investment in frontline practitioners and managers was recognised. We have been working hard to create an environment where social workers can do the work they came into the profession to do – to support and help families to stay together where this is in children’s best interests and it is safe enough for this to happen. Ofsted judged that we provide strong management oversight of practice, that we have a well‑embedded practice framework to enable meaningful family‑focused help, that we offer clear progress in career pathways, a talent management scheme and a nurturing environment to enable social work to flourish. We believe deeply in relationship‑based practice and ‘Signs of Safety’ is the vehicle enabling us to do this respectfully and in collaboration with the people we are trying to help. We have an established family engagement group, FL.A.RE (Family Learning, Advocacy & Restorative Engagement) who support us with practice development and delivery and front‑line practitioners have the opportunity to be part of this work. Practitioners are invited to contribute to our Learning & Development offer in Bexley and to enhance Continual Professional Development; there is opportunity to co‑design and deliver training if this is of interest. Here in Bexley, we recognise that our greatest asset is our workforce. Staff well‑being is important to us and you will have access to our weekly staff well‑being drop‑in sessions, our Employee Assistance Programme and our corporate offer of emotional and physical well‑being sessions. This is a 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity. Children with Disabilities Team Our Children with Disability Service safeguards and promotes the welfare of children in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Children & Families Act 2014 and Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance 2015. We work with the SEN education department to implement the biggest education reforms in a generation for children and young people with special educational needs which became law in September 2014. In line with the Children and Families Act (SEND Reforms). We work with Children in Need, Looked After Children & Children subject to Child Protection Plans. We also work to the Public Law outline and initiate care proceedings. We keep children and young people at the heart of our work. We listen to children, respect their views and champion their rights ensuring that each child’s voice informs the work that we do. We have a permanent management team, and you will receive monthly reflective supervision, training and professional development as part of the role. There are regular team meetings and development opportunities as well as opportunities for career progression. Ideal candidates will possess highly developed knowledge in children’s social work practice and ideally will have experience of working with children with disabilities. Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Benefits We will offer a package that includes a competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave plus bank holidays. Equal Opportunity Statement As a disability‑confident employer Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us at recruitment@bexley.gov.uk. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. #J-18808-Ljbffr