Experienced Social Worker - Children's Social Work Services

In return for helping us achieve our aims, there is a strong commitment to supporting your professional development. As a qualified Social Worker we know that you want to make a difference and working at Kent County Council you will be given every support and opportunity to do so., Doing the best for the children of Kent is a team effort and we've worked hard to create a culture that fosters excellence and collaboration - a place where social workers are empowered to be creative, share ideas and advice.

The right team needs the right managers. Ours have a well-deserved reputation for being supportive through regular, quality supervision. We also have a number of credible expert practitioners to learn from and you will find them approachable and keen to help. Sharing knowledge is part of who we are. Together, our teams deliver strengthened services and improved outcomes for children.

An integral part of re-thinking the way we work remotely is support for YOU going forward. Here you'll find the assistance, guidance and training available for all colleagues and managers to enable you to make flexible working work for you, your team and your service.

The right time

There has never been a better time to join us. We have invested in every area of our service including the careers of outstanding people who share our commitment to improving young lives in Kent.

The right place

We are proud of our Ofsted rating of outstanding and we are continuing to develop excellent services and ensure 'Children are at the centre of Kent County Council's culture and practice' (Ofsted 2022.) As one of the largest Children's Social Work Service in the country, we offer a comprehensive learning and development framework in Kent. And because one size doesn't fit all, we offer opportunities that can be tailored to individual, and team needs.

We can offer a wide variety of work that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Kent is a large and diverse county, offering a broad range of opportunities to support children and young people from all backgrounds and circumstances. You will be able to work across a range of locations and environments, and to be seconded to or move to other teams.

We place great importance on professional development that enables you to grow your skills and knowledge to manage a varied caseload. There will be new challenges and opportunities with case work and as part of the wider organisation, e.g., developing specialist links with partner agencies and representing Children's Services in court.

Acting as a role model and mentor to less experienced colleagues, you will contribute to training initiatives, and, proactively maintaining your awareness of changes in child development theories, legislation, policies and practices, you will share your knowledge and uphold high standards of social work.

Transport

Whilst we foster a hybrid working approach, the role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Kent and beyond to transport children and their belongings and be available to do so in an emergency.

This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence - The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability., This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Professionally registered with a degree in social work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent - you will have a variety of post-qualification experience of working with children and families. Your experience should cover systemic practice, and you will need an in-depth understanding of legislative and policy frameworks.

Along with a willingness to learn and develop as a practitioner, being a team player is essential in any social work team. You will build relationships with colleagues, as well as statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies.

A competitive starting salary, including an annual market premium payment of up to £5,000

A supportive team working environment with regular supervision

Access to a wide range of formal and informal CPD activities underpinned by a performance appraisal scheme and career progression pathway

An annual appraisal linking your learning and development needs

Generous annual leave allowance

Local Government pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities including flexi time, part time, remote and hybrid working - dependant on your job role and business need

Relocation Package

You will also have a range of professional development opportunities including the exciting social care academy and routes for progression.