Job Title: Advanced Social Worker - Assessment & Staying Together Team
Location: Staffordshire
Type: Permanent
Salary: £42,403 - £46,464 per annum
About the Role
Sanctuary Personnel are recruiting for an Advanced Social Worker to work within our client's team where you will operate within the framework of legislation and council policies to advocate for the well-being and independence of children, young people, and their families.
This role operates as a hybrid flexible worker, enabling flexible and mobile working arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of our services and clients across Staffordshire.
About The Client
We are dedicated to fostering an innovative, ambitious, and sustainable environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, enjoy good health, and pursue happiness.
Their Objectives
We aspire to ensure that everyone within our jurisdiction:
- Has access to a broader range of employment opportunities and shares in the benefits of economic advancement.
- Resides in flourishing and sustainable communities.
- Achieves improved health and greater independence over an extended period.
Their Principles
Our People Strategy outlines the necessary steps to establish us as an exceptional workplace, where individuals are nurtured to grow, excel, and contribute to our ambitious initiatives. Anchored in our values, this strategy ensures a steadfast focus on what truly matters to both our organisation and the communities we serve:
- Ambitious: We hold high aspirations for our communities and citizens.
- Courageous: We acknowledge challenges and are willing to make bold decisions.
- Empowering: We empower and support our personnel by granting them opportunities to excel in their roles.
About the Service
In our commitment to enhancing the lives of all children and young people, we employ a holistic approach to ensure their happiness, well-being, and safety. By fostering family preservation, we aim to maintain children within nurturing home environments whenever feasible. Our vision revolves around establishing a unified system that prioritises children and their families, delivering accessible support that makes a tangible difference.
Our Children's Social Care team is devoted to elevating outcomes for children in our care by delivering a consistent, top-tier service. This is achieved through robust collaborations with our partners and bolstered by steadfast leadership.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday entitlement, option to buy more & time off for important life events
- Office, home or remote working we've got you covered
- Competitive pay & fantastic pension
- Supporting your career development - Priority Access to Practice Educator Programme, Aspiring SWPL programme, Aspiring Team Manger Programme, Specialism training e.g. MAIVIC / Parent Assess
- Supporting our people to manage their physical, mental, financial & social wellbeing
- Rewards platform for discounts, savings & wellbeing, plus our green car lease scheme, & travel offers
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and young people requiring social work services, identifying risks and protection needs.
- Develop, coordinate, and implement multi-agency plans tailored to meet assessed needs, ensuring regular reviews to maintain effectiveness.
- Identify service gaps and unmet needs to inform resource allocation and drive service enhancements at local and regional levels.
- Collaborate with professionals and agencies to deliver tailored services aligned with assessed needs.
- Manage a workload of increased complexity within a team setting, demonstrating autonomy while adhering to statutory obligations and departmental protocols.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using the electronic management system.
- Engage in professional supervision sessions, staff meetings, and pursue ongoing training and developmental opportunities.
- Contribute to service evaluation and development by sharing expertise with colleagues and relevant stakeholders.
- Provide mentorship and professional support to junior social work staff to facilitate their growth and development.
The postholder is expected to contribute to the attainment of objectives across various domains, including financial management, people management, equalities, climate change, health and safety, and safeguarding.
Person Specification:
Requirements:
- Possess a recognised qualification in social work (Dip/SW, BA, MA or equivalent).
- Hold registration with Social Work England.
- Possess a full UK driving licence.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Demonstrable post-qualification experience in children's social work, including working with children looked after and safeguarding.
- Knowledge of relevant legal frameworks, such as the Children’s Act 1989, Children’s Act 2004, Adoption Regulations, and minimum standards.
- Evidenced completion of your ECF
- Experience in assessment planning for children and young people, as well as assessment of adopters/carers.
- Proficiency in planning and delivering support for children, their families, and/or carers.
- Experience in mentoring, whether formal or informal.
- Understanding and appreciation of diversity and equality issues.
- Familiarity with ICT systems.
Skills:
- Effective time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with service users.
- Proficiency in producing high-quality, timely, and accurate plans and assessments, with confident judgement about risk.
- Capacity to work autonomously and take initiative.
- Ability to manage one's workload effectively.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with various audiences.
- Influential skills to identify and drive changes at local and national levels, collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Proven experience and skills in interagency collaboration.
- Capability to work restoratively with children, families, colleagues, and partner agencies.
- Awareness of stress management techniques and ability to manage stress positively.
- Adaptability to organisational and national changes.
Other Information:
- Essential requirement for this role is being an essential car user.
- Enhanced DBS clearance, including the Children’s/Adults Barred list.
- Self-motivated with enthusiasm for the role.
- Availability to work irregular and unsocial hours as necessary.
- Willingness to travel across Staffordshire.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel. Don't miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and grow professionally.
