Social Worker - Children's Services Duty Team x2 - MID07435 in Dalkeith

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified social worker to join our Duty Team in Children's Services in Midlothian. As the front door to statutory Children's Services, our team is shifting from a primarily child protection investigatory response toward a strengths based, relational way of working that prioritises how we can help from the very first contact.

We aim to engage families early, uphold strong front door principles, and provide meaningful, proportionate support that promotes wellbeing, equity and inclusion. If you want to make a real difference at the point where families need us most, and be part of a team committed to compassionate, confident and forward thinking practice, we welcome your application.

Working as part of an experienced and motivated team, you will work under Child Protection and Looked After and Accommodated structures and Council policies and procedures to undertake initial assessments, provide advice, support, and short-term interventions. Initial assessments will be undertaken working closely with our police, health, education and third sector colleagues, with a shared goal of promoting Children & Young People's safety and wellbeing. Children's views and wishes are the foundation of our assessments and intervention: candidates should be confident and highly skilled communicators.

We offer a supportive team environment and excellent opportunities for continuous professional development. We value our workforce and provide staff with manageable caseloads, supportive supervision and a flexible working system.

Knowledge

• Essential: BA Social Work qualification or equivalent DipSW, CQSW and SSSC registration. The job holder also needs to be able to demonstrate an understanding or experience of:
• Legal frameworks and the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities relevant to the service area;
• National and local practice, policy, procedure and legislation relevant to the post;
• Have knowledge and understanding of a range of systemic interventions and methodologies such as attachment, child development, systemic support, relationship-based approach, motivational interviewing techniques and the impact of trauma.
• Desirable: Post-qualifying experience working with children and families; Child Welfare and Protection Certificate, or demonstrate a commitment to work towards it; Joint Investigative Interview Certificate, or demonstrate a commitment to work towards it. A working knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or protected adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.