Job Title: Children Looked After Social Worker Location: Middlesbrough As a Children Looked After Social Worker, you will be responsible for providing support and advocacy for children who are in the care of the local authority. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of these vulnerable children, working in partnership with families, carers, and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes. This role requires a combination of assessment skills, empathy, and a commitment to promoting the rights and interests of children in care. Key Responsibilities: Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of children needs and circumstances, taking into account their emotional, physical, and educational requirements. Collaborate with children, their families, and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement care plans that promote stability, growth, and positive relationships. Placement and Support: Facilitate appropriate placements for children in care, ensuring they are placed in safe and nurturing environments that meet their individual needs. Provide ongoing support and guidance to children and their carers, addressing any challenges or concerns that arise and advocating for their rights and entitlements. Advocacy and Representation: Act as an advocate for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard and their views are taken into consideration in decision-making processes. Represent the best interests of children in meetings, reviews, and court proceedings, providing evidence-based recommendations and supporting their participation in decision-making where appropriate. Risk Assessment and Safeguarding: Assess and manage risks to children safety and well-being, conducting regular visits and monitoring their living arrangements to identify any potential safeguarding concerns. Take prompt and appropriate action to address safeguarding issues, working in partnership with relevant agencies to mitigate risks and ensure children protection. Educational Support: Collaborate with schools and educational professionals to promote the educational attainment and well-being of children in care. Monitor their progress in school, identify any barriers to learning, and advocate for additional support and resources as needed to address their individual needs and maximise their potential. Transition Planning: Support children in care to prepare for transitions, including moves between placements, leaving care, and transitioning to adulthood. Develop comprehensive transition plans in collaboration with children, carers, and relevant agencies, providing practical support and guidance to facilitate successful transitions and continuity of care. Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, assessments, and interventions, in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Prepare clear and concise reports for case conferences, court hearings, and other formal proceedings, ensuring that information is shared appropriately and confidentiality is maintained. Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or a related field. Registration with SWE DBS on update service Previous experience in child protection, looked after children services, or a related field preferred. Strong assessment, communication, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to child welfare and safeguarding. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and build effective working relationships with children, families, and professionals. Empathy, resilience, and a commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children in care Benefits: Dedicated consultant - one point of contact Keep your CPD/training up to date by accessing our e-learning online portal Weekly payroll Competitive pay rates Weekly mailers keeping you up to date with locum posts within your locality Receive up to £300 for referring a friend or colleague (T&C's apply) Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone. Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.