Social Worker - Children With Disabilities

Salary: £42,003 - £54,533 per annum (inclusive of market supplement)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week

Location: Bognor Regis (office base County Hall, Chichester in interim), hybrid working options available

Working with children with disabilities is such a privilege and they amaze me time and time again and it is such rewarding work. We are a very friendly, supportive and stable team with longstanding members who are very experienced in our work.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Children With Disabilities team. The successful candidates will be passionate about and looking forward to being part of a team achieving positive outcomes for children with lifelong disabilities across West Sussex. As a Social Worker with the Children With Disabilities team you will offer a specialist social work service for disabled children and young people with complex needs. You will work with them, their families and other agencies to understand and meet their assessed needs; supporting them to achieve their potential.

Your role will include assessment, planning and interventions with children in need, looked after children and children in need of protection. You will have a Social Work qualification and an understanding of the impact of disability on children's lives. We are looking for somebody who is passionate about making a difference and able to use creative and personalised strengths-based approaches to achieve positive outcomes for children. You will be able to work in partnership with disabled children and their families as well as colleagues in Children's and Adult's Services, Education, Health and the Voluntary & Community sector.

Experience and Skills

• Able to analyse and interpret complex information and data, prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
• Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
• Able to work in partnership with carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, including the ability to explain complicated information to a wide range of people and use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action they may not wish to take.
• A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
• Completion of relevant post qualifying training.
• Evidence of at least one year's experience post qualification.
• Registration with the relevant professional registration body and maintaining registration with that body.
• Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing, relational practice, solution-focussed interventions and systemic working.
• A good understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in social work.
• Readiness to work towards Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) qualification at Stage one or equivalent.
• Valid and full driving licence or ability to travel around the county independently.

We provide regular group supervision and access to excellent learning and development provisions such as Research in Practice and Community Care Inform, Social Work England fees paid and annual leave up to 29 days, as well as the option to buy up to 3 additional days. As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan. That’s why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, HCPC registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.