Short Breaks / Early Help Social Worker

To contribute to the operational delivery of an effective Children's Social Care Service as part of a team responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and young people continuously improving outcomes. To be responsible for social work provision including managing own caseload whilst managing the reputation of the Department and Council and complying with national and service procedures and guidance
DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO:
Team Manager
DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR:
n/a
THIS POST IS SUBJECT TO
DISCLOSURE
Enhanced DBS Disclosure

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Hold and effectively manage a complex and varied caseload with appropriate supervision, guidance and support, reflecting the function of the team and Children's Social Care in accordance with policy, procedures, guidance and legislation.



• Undertake work within legislative frameworks including the preparation of written statements and representations to the judiciary at Court hearings.



• Be accountable for complex decision making in relation to caseloads ensuring professional judgement, evidence based tools, critical reflection and analysis to inform this.



• Model critical reflection and evidence based decision making and support others in developing these.



• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the range of theories and models for social work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities and the methods derived from them.



• Identify and assess levels of risk and need (within statutory frameworks) in often complex situations. Deliver protective and/or supportive services for children at risk, in need and/or looked after. To maintain up to date assessments, care plans and reviews.



• Communicate skilfully and confidently in complex or high risk situations. Model and help others develop communication skills



• Attend and represent the department at a range of multi-disciplinary forums and undertaking the role of Chair as required.



• Undertake Achieving Best Evidence interviews as required.



• Undertake direct work with children, young people and their families in line with Children in Need, Child Protection and Care plans.



• Work co-operatively with colleagues and in partnership within the Council and across multi - agency boundaries.



• Contribute to current practice expectations, identifying areas of poor practice issues and taking appropriate action.



• Model inclusive practice in relation to identity and diversity, challenging any issues of concern.



• Take responsibility for obtaining regular professional supervision to ensure effective practice, reflection and career development.



• Prepare and participate in Performance and Development Reviews, identifying areas for improvement and carrying out agreed learning and development opportunities including using research to inform practice.



• Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of self and others including participating in team meetings and contributing to the development of the team.



• Ensure that reports are up to date, of a high quality and submitted according to appropriate timescales.



• Ensure that expenditure on cases is properly authorised and recorded.



• Be responsible for accurate, sensitive, timely and up to date data entry on all cases including:

- data entry on ICS and any other electronic tools or database
- data required for specific PIs/targets,
- Due consideration being given to any legal and human rights of the individuals concerned.


• Ensure that client information data is lawfully gathered, accurate, up to date and only divulged in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the local government common law duty of confidentiality. Failure to apply these duties can lead to the individual or the Service facing court proceedings.



• Undertake any other duties as directed from time-to-time to meet the exigencies of the service.


GENERAL

This job description is a representative document. Other reasonable similar duties may be allocated from time to time commensurate with the general character of the post and it's grading.

This job description applies to a number of jobs within Children's Social Care, the team (and office location) that staff undertaking this job description are allocated to could change at the discretion of management following consultation with individual post holders.

In addition to his/her principal duties the post holder will be expected to contribute more widely to the overall development of the Service and the Council. You may be required to be available to contribute to the Out of Hours Service.

All employees are responsible for the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy so far as it affects them, their colleagues and others who may be affected by their work. The post holder is also expected to monitor the effectiveness of the health and safety arrangements and systems to promote appropriate improvements where necessary.

All employees are expected to be committed to the Equality and Diversity policy and assist in removing the barriers to service delivery and employment to enhance a positive equality culture.

This post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. You are therefore not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for any other purposes are 'spent' under the provisions of the Act and any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered only in relation to the positions to which the Order applies.

Develop the City Council's commitment to equal opportunities and to promote nondiscriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.

It must be understood that every employee has a responsibility to ensure that their work complies with all statutory requirements with Standing Orders and Financial Regulations of the City Council and to ensure that all work functions are undertaken in accordance with health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the City Council's safety plan.

This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive. It is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility.

This role is for a 3 day week - 21 Hours per week