Job Purpose
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To act as a senior specialist member of a social work unit providing effective outstanding or excellent social work services to children and their families, with the purpose of safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
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To discharge the Authority’s responsibilities under the Children Acts 1989 & 2004 and other relevant legislation in respect of; children in need, children in need of protection and those in the care of the Local Authority.
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All post-holders are expected to maintain professional standards of practice and to work in accordance with Social Work England standards and the Division’s values, strategic objectives, procedures, and managerial guidance.
Specific Accountabilities of the Role
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To hold complex family proceedings and or children deemed to be at high risk of significant harm. The Senior worker will be expected to demonstrate the ability to record to a high standard capturing the voice of the child, show evidence of analysis and reflection throughout.
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To act as lead practice educator for the social work unit by providing support and advice and offer shadowing opportunities to Student Social Workers, Newly Qualified Social Workers subject to Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and family support practitioners OR lead on an area of specialism such as advanced court work skills..
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To share specialist social work knowledge and research across the social work unit.
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To ensure the provision of a comprehensive induction for all new staff
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To ensure that services are efficiently and effectively provided, liaising as necessary with other Council Divisions, Health, Education, Police, voluntary and independent sector providers.
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Working within the London Child Protection procedures to undertake key work responsibilities for children subject to a child protection plan.
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To work collaboratively with other Council Divisions, Statutory Agencies including health, Education and Police, and other independent and voluntary service providers.
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To promote timely permanency planning for children in care in accordance with the Adoption Act 2002 where applicable
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Undertaking responsibilities towards children in care of the authority, including:
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i) Formulating and progressing care plans in line with national and local procedures.
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ii) Ensuring that the health and education needs of all children in care are met in
accordance with National Standards.
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iii) Ensuring that all procedural requirements with respect to reviewing, consultation
and recording are adhered to.
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In conjunction with the Practice Managers and Senior Team Manager, to maintain performance standards in line with Division expectation and national guidance, and to alert Practice Managers of any concerns in relation to staff performance.
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To support the development of systemic practice across the Children’s Social Care Divisions