Social Worker - Single Point of Access

Sanctuary Personnel

  • Windsor, Berkshire
  • £46,406 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
  • Apply easily
Location: Windsor & Maidenhead
Salary: £38,355 - £46,406 per annum
Contract: PermanentRole Overview:The SPA Team acts as the front door for children's services, providing a single point of contact for referrals relating to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. As a Social Worker in this team, you will be responsible for the initial screening, assessment, and decision-making on all incoming referrals, ensuring that children and families receive timely and appropriate interventions.This role is ideal for a social worker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about safeguarding children by providing early intervention and risk assessment.Key Responsibilities:
  • Initial Screening and Assessment:
  • You will be the first point of contact for all referrals into children’s social care, carrying out an initial screening of the concerns raised. You will gather and analyse information from a variety of sources, including families, schools, health professionals, and other agencies, to assess the level of risk and determine the appropriate response.
  • Decision-Making and Thresholds:
  • You will make informed decisions regarding the appropriate level of intervention for each case. This will involve applying the local authority’s threshold criteria and considering whether cases should be escalated to child protection services, passed to early help services, or require no further action.
  • Risk Identification and Safeguarding:
  • You will identify potential risks to children and young people and take swift action where necessary. This may include making referrals to child protection teams, recommending immediate safeguarding measures, or initiating multi-agency meetings to ensure that children are kept safe.
  • Multi-Agency Collaboration:
  • You will work closely with other professionals, including police, health services, education, and housing teams, to ensure that all information is shared and considered when making decisions about the most appropriate intervention. You will facilitate multi-agency meetings to discuss complex cases and ensure that all professionals are aligned in their approach.
  • Timely Response and Case Management:
  • You will manage incoming referrals efficiently, ensuring that all cases are assessed within statutory timescales. You will be responsible for prioritising cases based on the level of need and risk, and for ensuring that families receive timely responses to their situations.
  • Communication with Families:
  • You will engage with children, young people, and their families at the point of referral, explaining the assessment process, listening to their concerns, and ensuring that they are fully informed of any decisions made. You will handle sensitive and sometimes distressing information with professionalism and empathy, ensuring that families feel supported throughout the process.
  • Record Keeping and Reporting:
  • You will maintain accurate and detailed records of all referrals, assessments, and decisions made, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met. You will also contribute to the preparation of reports for management and external partners as required.
  • Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement:
  • You will engage in reflective practice, regularly reviewing your own work to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of children and young people. You will also take part in team meetings, supervision, and training to ensure that you remain up-to-date with best practice and developments in social care.
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