R2R103860 - Social Worker - Family Support and Protection Team - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea

Your New Organisation Children Services - OFSTED RATING 2024 – GOOD. Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend. They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work. Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support. The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families. Leaders understand their local communities and have used this knowledge strategically and effectively to meet children’s needs.

Our vision is A Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as a Social Worker, you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that:

• All paths lead back to the child.
• We spend time getting to know each child and their story.
• We do what we say we’re going to do.
• We work with the whole family.
• No matter what, we aim to make things better.

You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer that has been designed by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focusing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager.

Your new role Southend‑on‑Sea City Council are looking for a permanent Social Worker to provide professional and comprehensive casework to a caseload of children and young people within the busy Family Support & Protection Team. This position attracts the added incentive of a one‑off payment of £7,500, after you have been employed in this post for 3 years and 1 day. You are required to provide professional and comprehensive casework to a caseload (averaging 12) of children and young people within the long‑term children’s social work teams. You will be developing and maintaining relationships with children and families who require longer‑term social work intervention, including those subject to child protection plans, complex child in need, PLO/Pre Proceedings. Acting as the duty worker, you will respond to queries and issues on all cases currently being managed by the team. Prepare and submit written reports as and when required, including statements and care plans for care proceedings in Family Proceedings, County and High Courts. You need to provide an efficient and cost‑effective service to children, young people and their families, ensuring that the needs of the children and their parents/carers are professionally assessed. Investigate, evaluate and analyse information on cases, demonstrating clarity of assessment, reliability of information, evidence conclusions and realistic action plans. The quality of practice will be supported by regular supervision; training opportunities, tools and resources are readily available to assist in the day‑to‑day work. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on‑site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.

What you’ll need to succeed To be successful in this position, you must have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE. You need to have previous experience of working within Children’s Frontline services and have knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated child in need social work practice is essential, along with knowledge of restorative practice of social work intervention. A driving licence and use of a car is essential for this position.

What you’ll get in return When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave
• flexible working
• excellent training and development opportunities

They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.

Additional information All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.