Children's Social Worker - Assessment Team in Wales

To undertake statutory duties under Part 4 and 6 of the SSWBA and other key social care legislations in assessing, supporting and safeguarding children and adults who are in need of care and support or who are at risk of harm by assisting individuals and their families or networks to resolve major difficulties, enhancing their coping skills and establishing their independence and resilience. To work within current legislation and statutory guidelines, as well as Council policies, procedures and practice, in order to assess, commission and review support services and planned interventions for those who are at risk or vulnerable. To work to ensure quality of service with colleagues in the statutory & independent sector to ensure a multi-agency approach in empowering service-users to speak for themselves whilst ensuring they are safe & protected.

Responsibilities

• To assist individuals and families to deal with matters which cause them difficulties in daily living.
• To pursue or contribute to enquiries and where necessary to intervene to protect those who are vulnerable or in danger of significant harm. This may include undertaking S47 investigations, Joint Investigations/achieving Best Evidence Interviews and Section 126 Investigations.
• To ensure children and adult safety through Court processes where required.
• To provide statements and reports for Court when required.
• To work in partnership with people, and other professionals and agencies within the Signs of Safety model.
• Promote people's self-worth and rights, so that they can make clear decisions about themselves and their possible impact on others such as family, friends etc.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that the support in place is meeting assessed needs.
• To evaluate the service user’s satisfaction with the care and support provided.
• To assess risk positively and where necessary develop risk-management and safeguarding plans when implementing family or individual support plans or managing ongoing progress.
• Maintain appropriate records in accordance with Council or Service requirements, including a clear record of assessments, care plans and the provision of statistical information.

General Responsibilities

• Under the guidance and support of qualified staff, develop the level of knowledge, understanding and skills required to evidence competence in social work tasks and meet the required standards.
• Actively promote the Welsh language and service user language preferences as required by the Welsh language standards and More than Just Words framework.
• Develop effective partnership working with internal and external colleagues and other agencies.
• Maintain a flexible approach to the pattern of work which reflects the changing needs of the service and the circumstances of the community.
• Promote the concept of 'dignity in care', protecting the family rights giving them voice and control and to be aware of the Safeguarding policies and procedures; taking appropriate action to protect service users.
• Be aware of the Council's Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) procedures and to advise managing authorities, e.g. care homes, of how they can make appropriate referrals in situations where deprivation of liberty might be a factor.

The council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone with suitable skills and ability regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief. All applications will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit.