14 Charity / Voluntary jobs in Bridgwater, Somerset

Do you want to join a Local Authority who continually strives to improve services for children, young people and their families within North Somerset? Our vision is to make North Somerset a truly great place for children and young people to thrive, where all have the best possible life and opportunities, including those who are vulnerable and/or have special educational or additional needs.,

• Responsible for chairing Statutory Reviews for Children in Care, Child Protection Case Conferences and managing allegations against staff and volunteers (LADO)
• Ensuring statutory childcare duties are met, national minimum standards and regulations are complied with, high standards of recognised professional practice are delivered. Work effectively with partners from other agencies to support individual children and families and improve their life chances
• To promote full and active participation of children and their families in meetings, including meeting children on their own and seeking their views to inform care planning and wishes and feelings
• To chair statutory multi-disciplinary, multi- agency meetings in order to minimise risk of harm to children subject to Child Protection Plans and Children in Care. To promote stability and permanency.
• The role will support the LADO function]
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. Work Style At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.
  
  We are looking for a motivated and experienced Social Worker or Social Work Manager to come and join our Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Team as an Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (ISRO). This is a varied role reflecting the size of the organisation. Our ISRO's have responsibility for quality assuring the care planning and statutory review process for children and young people in the care of the Local Authority, chairing regular child in care reviews and monitoring progress of care planning. You will also chair Child Protection Conferences in line with current North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures, as well as having quality assurance oversight for the duration of those plans. You will also have a key role in contributing towards the development of quality assurance activity across Children's Services along with other colleagues ensuring service standards and impact upon children are adhered to.
North Somerset is embedding the Signs of Safety model into practice. CP conferences and children in care reviews reflect this and the ISRO/CP chairs need to be familiar with using this model to work with families and ensure children are supported by the best plans. You will need to have a sound knowledge of childcare legislation, safeguarding, inter-agency policies and procedures and current developments in children's services. You will require substantial experience of working with children in care and children who are subject to child protection plans, including complex legal proceedings. This role requires flexible working and an ability to prioritise and manage your own workload, as well as having good IT and report writing skills. In return we offer a supportive team environment; we are committed to continuous professional development and offer regular supervision and annual appraisal.,
• Social Work Qualification (DipSW/CQSW/CSS) Registered with Social Work, England
• At least 5 years post qualification experience of statutory childcare work including child protection and children in care
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (relevant applications and checks will be carried out before any job offer is confirmed)
• Demonstrate ability to
• Show initiative and self-reliance
• demonstrate good communication skills - oral and written.
• be adaptable and able to respond to requests or requirements at short notice.
• be able to work effectively with families, young people and other agencies.
• be able to provide direction to others.
• be able to assess risks and work positively with families to develop a protection plan.
• be able to prioritise work and deliver to deadlines
Desirable Criteria:
• Management qualification
  
  North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
  
  At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.