Social Worker FAST Family Assessment and Support Team Richmond Area
Grade: JK
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time/part time hours available
Location: Richmond area, flexible working bases and hybrid working available
Closing Date: 2nd February 2025
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams work with a range of children, their families, carers, and networks. This includes children in need, children subject to child protection plans, and those where public law proceedings are needed.
A good understanding of legislation, practice, and court processes is necessary. We offer extensive training and support for continual professional development, including our defined practice model, Systemic, signs of safety, and family seeing/network training.
Main Duties of the Job
We have high aspirations for our young people and strive to work collaboratively with children, young people, and their families, believing that each child has a network essential to tap into.
The role is varied; one day you may complete words and pictures with a family, and the next support a young person with complex needs. We work with young people from birth to 18, maintaining strong links with external agencies and teams in North Yorkshire.
We seek Social Workers with at least two years of post-qualifying experience, a can-do attitude, a child-focused approach, and creativity in planning with children.
About Us
The team consists of a Team Manager and Practice Supervisors who support our Social Workers. Dedicated business support enables Social Workers to spend more time with Children, Young People, and their families. We have a well-defined supervision policy with regular group and individual supervisions, and opportunities for participation in County Wide practice model sessions.
The team is creative in working with families, and the Social Workers are supported by new technology, allowing more time for direct engagement with young people.
Be the change you trained to be.
Job Responsibilities
Job Context: Children's Social Care provides services following specific legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004, and other Government guidance. We are committed to providing quality services to support children, young people, and their families, working in line with the Health and Care Professions Council's Code of Practice. An Enhanced DBS check and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council are required.
Job Purpose: Manage a caseload including Children in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children as allocated by the Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager. This includes undertaking assessments, formulating, monitoring, and managing plans for children in collaboration with multi-agency partners to ensure timely outcomes.
Operational Management:
1. Manage and prioritize cases allocated by the line manager.
2. Assess children and their families' needs and recommend services to achieve agreed outcomes.
3. Participate in case allocation and accept cases as allocated by the Team Manager.
4. Liaise with other professionals to fulfill statutory duties and achieve the best outcomes for children.
5. Engage fully in supervision and performance appraisal.
6. Maintain good case records and write reports in line with departmental standards.
7. Provide evidence in court as required.
Partnerships:
1. Commit to shared values and develop a culture of interagency working.
2. Ensure multi-agency engagement in all assessment and planning processes.
3. Plan and commission services for children, young people, and their families.
4. Liaise with colleagues and external agencies for relevant information gathering.
5. Work with individuals or groups to develop their potential.
Communications:
1. Advise clients on charging policies.
2. Comply with Data Protection Legislation.
3. Demonstrate good recording skills with available technology.
4. Liaise with staff and agencies to ensure appropriate service provision.
5. Promote participation of children, young people, and families in decision-making.
Safeguarding:
1. Complete assessments within timescales and develop care plans.
2. Provide support and advice to carers, encouraging the development of support networks.
3. Take necessary statutory actions regarding child safety.
4. Investigate allegations of neglect or abuse following legislative requirements.
Person Specification
Experience
* Knowledge of current good practice in childcare.
* Knowledge of the principles of the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Care Planning Regulations 2010.
* Experience in a social care or similar setting.
* Work placement in a childcare setting.
* Knowledge of judicial processes and care assessment theory.
* Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in a relevant field.
Occupational Skills
* Ability to communicate with children and young people.
* Negotiation skills with families.
* Ability to assess family needs and identify resources.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to recognize risk and take appropriate actions.
Qualifications
* Fully qualified, accredited social work professional status.
* Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
* Availability to work outside normal hours as necessary.
* Ability to meet travel needs across the geographical area.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, necessitating a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for previous criminal convictions.
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