Locum Social Worker: Children’s Assessment & Safeguarding in Hampshire

Connect2Hampshire is recruiting for a Qualified Social Worker to join the Children’s Assessment and Safeguarding Team (CAST) in Basingstoke on a locum basis. The district has four CAST teams, each consisting of:

• 1 Team Manager
• 2 Children and Families Support Workers

Social workers in these teams benefit from strong, experienced management with clear direction and regular supervision. The modern office environment ensures locum staff are supported just like permanent staff, with access to free internal CPD opportunities. The ideal candidate will be competent in handling complex cases and committed to achieving the best outcomes for families. Each team has two Children and Families Support Workers and one personal assistant for every three social workers, providing extensive administrative and time management support. The average caseload is 25 families. This full-time role offers flexibility for condensed working hours.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assessment: Use professional expertise and a range of interpersonal and communication skills to gather information and assess risks, protection, and social care needs within relevant legal and statutory frameworks.
• Collaboration: Refer cases to other relevant agencies and undertake joint assessments to ensure all risks and needs are considered.
• Service Provision: Arrange, provide, or purchase appropriate services within the Department’s priorities and resource framework, ensuring compliance with best value principles and statutory duties.
• Protection: Take necessary action, in conjunction with other agencies and within legal and statutory frameworks, to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Caseload Management: Manage an agreed caseload following statutory and departmental procedures and objectives, supporting individuals in achieving their goals and maximizing their strengths.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor, review, and reassess care packages/services to ensure they effectively meet identified risks, needs, and objectives.
• Record Keeping: Utilize both paper and computerized systems to maintain accurate records that contribute to professional case management and comply with current legislation and departmental policies. Ensure records are accessible to relevant individuals, colleagues, and managers.
• Reporting: Produce reports that comply with statutory and departmental procedures, capturing and analyzing information clearly to guide decision-making and case management.
• Resource Knowledge: Stay informed about benefits, fees, and allowances, advising individuals on how to access them to achieve maximum independence and manage expectations.

Role Requirements:

• Qualifications: A degree in social work or equivalent (e.g., CQSW, DipSW) and registration with the HCPC.
• Communication Skills: Strong ability to listen, understand, and express oneself clearly to people from diverse backgrounds. Ability to negotiate effectively with service users, relatives, and providers.
• Writing Skills: Experience in writing clear, concise reports.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in assessing risks, analyzing information, and identifying problems.
• Knowledge: Understanding of equalities issues in social work practice, principles of safety, dignity, and empowerment, as well as legal frameworks and professional social work issues.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children and families in a social work setting.
• Child Protection: Knowledge of child protection legislation, child protection issues, and substitute care.
• Data Protection: Understanding of data protection/confidentiality and the importance of accurate, timely recording.
• Best Value: Familiarity with Best Value principles and the need for resource management.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively and handle conflicting demands.
• Driving License: A valid driving license is required to fulfill the transport requirements of the role.