Social Worker - Kinship

We are seeking a Social Worker for Kinship support, to work directly with Kinship families, both children and adults, to help meet the challenges faced by this unique cohort. This will be an important role in developing Thurrock's offer of support to Carers as part of the Kinship Zone.

About the Role

As a qualified Social Worker for Kinship Zones your primary role will be:

- To ensure that family plans safeguard and support children and young people living within their family and kinship networks in accordance with their care / case plans.

- To advise and support other practitioners to set up and conduct Family Network Meetings and reviews where necessary.

- To work under the direction of the Kinship Service Manager on the continued development and implementation of the service and its policies and procedures.

- To establish engagement sessions explaining FNSPs, kinship options, and rights/responsibilities in plain language to practitioners and families.

- To develop kinship training modules for practitioners, and partner agencies.

- To manage eligibility checks and onboarding for kinship carer allowances. To involve Carer contact, evidence gathering, appointment booking, letters, welcome packs.

- To promote children living with their family where safe to do so.

- To comply with legislation, statutory guidance and local policies and procedures.

What We Are Looking For

You will need to hold a relevant social work qualification and be registered as a practising Social Worker with Social Work England (SWE).

You will need to have experience of direct work with children and young people and also in working with children and families within statutory, independent or third sectors.

You will need to have knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working in children's services, knowledge of key childcare and child protection research and assessment frameworks and an understanding of the Kinship agenda, to inform delivery of support to kinship Carers under the Kinship Zone Pilot.

DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

- Generous annual leave entitlement

- Local Government Pension Scheme

- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)

- Ongoing training and professional development

- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

- Staff discounts and local offers

- A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates