Do it for Devon - Bring your skills and passion to our team and join us as an Assessment Social Worker in our Kinship Assessment Service.
About Us
Our Kinship Assessment service plays a key role in supporting Devon County as a corporate parent for children and young people who cannot live with their own families. Comprised of three teams covering Exeter & East Devon, North & Mid Devon and South Devon, the Kinship Service is responsible for the assessment of kinship carers, special guardians and connected carers, all working towards securing the best possible outcomes for children and young people in our care.
About the Role
As a Children's Assessing Social Worker, you will be responsible for the preparation of assessments for both Court and Fostering Panels. Alongside this, you will be supporting carers granted with Special Guardianship Orders who reside in Devon, as well as those where Devon was the responsible authority and who now live elsewhere. This is a challenging and rewarding role within a vibrant service that places children and families at the centre of everything we do. Working to regulatory requirements, we strive to provide a high-quality service for children and their families with robust assessments that support permanent decisions for children.
About You
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will model social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations. You will champion restorative practice and encourage a collaborative culture, where opportunities for reflection and learning are supported.
Your skills and experience will include:
1. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
2. Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
3. Experience of working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment, with knowledge of fostering regulations
4. A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
5. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
6. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
7. Exceptional recording and planning skills
8. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
*Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
9. Generous annual leave, & the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
10. Free onsite parking.
11. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
12. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
13. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
14. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
15. Cycle to work scheme.
16. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact: Emma Briggs (), Louise Sylvester () or Zoe Shields ( )
Applications close on 9th March 2025 and applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates upon shortlisting.