Social Worker Southampton City Council Children’s Services have worked hard over the last 4 years to create a significant shift in culture and performance, becoming an employer of choice for the best social workers, managers and leaders in the South. Our efforts were recognized by OFSTED in our 2023 ILACS grading of “Good with Outstanding Leadership.” We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent, Full Time Social Worker (Grade 9) in the Family Safeguarding Service. In June 2023, Children Services in Southampton were rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ leadership by Ofsted. There is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Workers to come and join the Family Safeguarding service. Never has there been a better time to join a Local Authority and Service that is good across all areas, with a clear focus on building trusting, transparent relationships from a strengths-based approach, which continues to improve. About the team: We absolutely know social work is challenging. It requires stamina, resilience, and determination. But it is a career that enriches and transforms the lives of children and families. Children and young people tell us that they want social workers who listen to and hear them, have fun with them, follow through on what they say, and provide them with opportunities that will enrich their lives. They want to know that someone is always there for them. To do this our social workers need manageable workloads, supportive and transparent relationships with managers and the opportunity to continually grow in experience, knowledge and confidence. This is what our new service offers our social workers and others. We are building a strong social work family where social workers and managers feel safe and are supported to develop enduring relationships with children and families and share their views about the environment in which they work. Ofsted said ‘Staff across children’s services like working in Southampton. They value the fact that they are listened to, and they enjoy the easy access they have to senior leaders. They told inspectors about the way in which leaders celebrate their achievements, as well as holding them to account’. Being part of the Southampton City Council team requires people who are willing to take personal responsibility for delivering excellence, to work with others to achieve the best possible outcomes, to embrace change and new opportunities, to make the most of the resources available to us and to think and act in the best interests of our customers – the residents of Southampton. We are proud to be creating a City where children are kept safe from harm and families are supported to raise their children in safe, loving environments. During our last ILACS Ofsted inspection where we received Good with Outstanding for Leadership and Management Ofsted noted: “Impressive strategic and operational leadership, aligned with corporate and political commitment, has provided a clear vision, ambition and energy which has garnered the confidence and commitment of key partners. There is a collective momentum to continue to improve services and outcomes for children across the city.” Systemic practice is our overarching approach. Its principles encourage us to practise in a way that is appreciative, and strengths-based, with a belief in the family’s capacity to create real and sustainable change. A systemic approach invites us to be curious about our own and others’ perspectives, helping people in families to do the same. This can create space for new ideas and possibilities for change to emerge. We have chosen systemic practice as our overarching approach because we recognise how significant our relationships can be for building trust and having the kind of conversations that can lead to change. Our strong Community-of-Practice reflects this and is one of the many opportunities we offer for you to develop your systemic thinking and ideas. If this sounds like an opportunity that excites and interests you then we very much look forward to receiving your application. About you : You will need to be a registered Social Worker with Social Work England and have a Social Work qualification Degree or Diploma. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Social Worker to join our newly launched Family Safeguarding service. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes domestic abuse, mental health and substance misuse specialists. Our Family Safeguarding teams support the whole family in order to achieve chance for the adults and reduce any impairment or harm for the children. Having highly skilled multi-disciplinary teams available for families ensure the right support is provided at the earliest opportunity. We are looking for a Social Worker who is reflective and assured in their own practice and has experience of statutory social work with experience of working with Children with Disabilities and Looked After Children. You will be able to deliver a service that is centred on the child or young person, with a clear understanding and a good knowledge of relevant legislation and current practice for Children with Disabilities and or Looked After Children as well as clear understanding of safeguarding issues. We want all children and young people in Southampton to have a good start in life, so that they can fulfil their potential and become successful adults engaged in their local communities. About the role: You will build relationships through regular visits, assessments and planning. You will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with children; gain and interpret their wishes, and advocate and support them to reach their full potential. We want to continually improve and show our children that we are aspirational for them and what they can achieve in their relationships, communities, education and training. The work is varied and challenging, and there is a strong team approach ensuring good support for the successful applicant. Come Join Us Southampton City Council and its partners have made a collective commitment to run well-managed services, ensure manageable workloads for social workers, provide high levels of support and expert guidance to help with complex situations. We would like to warmly welcome those who live in or near to the city, and those who are looking to relocate to the area. A social work qualification and Social Work England Registration is essential for this post. W hat we can offer you : Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below. A generous local government pension scheme. Flexible working (role dependant). Up to 13 days of Flexi Leave. Hybrid working arrangements (role dependant). 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays. Online Benefits – salary sacrifice schemes, benefits and discounts. Great local transport links. Employee assistance programme with access to our health wellbeing and support. F or further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk) Contact details for informal discussion: For further information and details regarding the above role, please contact Team Manager Kayla Styles: kayla.stylessouthampton.gov.uk or Service Manager Catalin Maric: catalin.maricsouthampton.gov.uk Interview Information: Please note that interviews are scheduled for week commencing 18 th November 2024 Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitmentsouthampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033 For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news. Twitter Facebook YouTube