Experienced Social Worker - Leaving Care Team

• Manage a caseload within a framework of appropriate reflective supervision, undertaking focused, analytical assessments, SMART care plans and reviews that have clear objectives and outcome measures in order to ensure that all looked after children receive a service that reflects the Council’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for our looked after children.
• Prepare clear, structured and concise reports for meetings, i.e. Looked After Children Reviews, Permanency Planning Meetings, Legal Planning Meetings and Care Proceedings as necessary, to the required standard and within the prescribed timescales.
• Demonstrate and model good practice that reflects a commitment to relationship and strengths-based practice, working collaboratively with children and their families.
• Work directly with children and young people to establish their lived experiences, wishes and feelings, using a variety of techniques, as required.
• To work with children and families in a variety of diverse and complex contexts, such as mental ill health, disability, substance misuse, domestic abuse, sexual and criminal exploitation, radicalisation, poverty, discrimination, and immigration.
• Consistently use the Signs of Safety practice model in assessment and interventions with looked after children, their families and their carers.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively engage and develop quality Life-Story work with all Looked After Children so they have a good understanding of their family and their story both in care and before care.
• Regularly review the progress and implementation of children’s care plans and update these based on new assessments or significant changes in the child’s circumstances.
• Demonstrate the ability to influence others in an effort to help coordinate support services in the best way possible to keep children as safe and well cared for as possible.
• Keep up to date with research findings, theoretical models and innovative practice within the social work field in order to maintain the highest professional standards.
• Keep up to date with the Council’s organisational policies, government guidance, legislation, research and national trends in order to maintain the highest professional standards.
• At the discretion of the Head of Service, such other activities as may from time to time may be agreed consistent with the nature of the job described above.

• Social work qualification with registration with Social Work England.
• Experience in managing social work caseloads and supervising others.
• Experience of community and/or group work.
• Knowledge of children’s health and social care systems, agencies, and relevant legislation.

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