Social Worker - Assessment Service

Our developing Family Help service aims to provide targeted support and help to families so that children and families can thrive and more families are able to stay together. We recognise that providing the right type of support at the right time for families is key to working effectively and that lasting relationships with professionals is central to working alongside families and their networks. Working alongside families using our Restorative Model of practice, we use family led-decision making strategies and Motivational Interviewing skills to help families access creative and targeted support packages that will help to develop meaningful and lasting change for families. This includes increased capacity to manage complex parenting challenges and reducing risks within family networks and across our community. . Our Family Help service is delivered through the 'Family Safeguarding model' which delivers a whole family approach to support. Social workers and Family Help practitioners will co-ordinate the support offered to families drawing on the knowledge and skillset of experienced Child Practitioners; Drug and Alcohol practitioners' Probation Officers; Domestic Abuse Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners. The Family Safeguarding programme is used to inform our direct work with families and our model of supervision is reflective group supervision involving those practitioners involved in supporting a family. Our ambition is for more families to receive the support that they need from within their local community through our model of early support. However, we recognise that some worries about children and families arise quickly and can be significant for children, particularly child protection concerns. Our Family Help service therefore incudes an assessment service which uses our single assessment process and statutory child protection procedures, to work alongside families in assessing their needs and identifying the right plan of support for them. Referrals come directly to the team from our integrated children's front door and link in closely with our Family Help and locality partners. We are currently developing our (Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and in time, the Assessment Team will work closed with MACPT to assess and plan for our children requiring child protection intervention.,

• supporting young people with problems
• providing a chance to talk about any problems
• giving information, advice, practical help and support in your home
• helping people to share concerns about a child or adult's safety or welfare with the right people
• helping with information about local nurseries, childminders, playgroups, parent and toddler groups, and short breaks for children with special needs
In addition to supporting families we have a duty to protect children and young people who are at risk of neglect or abuse and support them if a court decides they can no longer remain with their own family. Jobs and careers We are incredibly proud of our council and the borough it serves; it's a unique and very special place. We know that if you come and join us you'll receive a warm welcome, work with some very loyal and committed colleagues and contribute positively to making life better for our residents, businesses and visitors.