We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our team at HM YOI Werrington, set in the picturesque district of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
As a dedicated Social Worker, you will be an integral member of a multi-agency team where you will have a role working with those children identified as being most vulnerable and where the greatest risk to their safety and wellbeing exists, including where they may be supported by or eligible for service from local authority Children’s Social Care Services.
The specific intention of this Social Worker is:
* to support looked after children and children in need in custody
* to support Governors in meeting their statutory duties under section 11 of the Children Act 2004
* to ensure Local Authorities meet their own responsibilities towards children in custody in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and subsequent legislation.
Main Responsibilities
As a Social Worker, you will:
* offer a full induction with the young person explaining fully the social work role and ensure they have all what they should have and need.
* arrange forums, induct new staff explain the social work role in YOI.
* be visible and see the boys to promote their well-being and ensure their voice is heard.
* advise Senior Youth Custody Service (YCS) Managers on all Child Protection issues, both legal as well as practice issues.
* advise and support the safeguarding team on making child protection (s47) or child in need (s17) referrals to the relevant authority where appropriate.
* process referrals to Staffordshire’s referral team SCAS
* screen use of force (UOF) restraints and attend Review of Restraint meetings.
* manage and minimize physical restraint
* work with the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) and the establishment Child Protection Coordinator where there are allegations against members of staff (voluntary and paid employees/volunteers).
* assist in the development and updating of children’s safeguarding policies and procedures within the establishment.
* have oversight of asset information to determine whether they are CLA, LASPO, relevant, former relevant.
* document information on SBAR and WRM for child exploitation.
* support placement referrals to Secure Children’s Home (SCH), Secure Training Centre (STC) and other YOIs.
* liaise and have input with resettlement, health, mental health, psychologist teams.
* attend Children in Care Reviews
* support and escalate where placements aren’t available at release
* liaise with other Local Authorities, parents and external agencies.
* offer safeguarding training to Youth Justice Workers.
The Ideal Candidate
It goes without saying, you will need a professional social work qualification (with Social Work England registration).
You’ll also need:
* significant post qualified experience ideally to include experience working in a HM Youth Offending Institute environment; however, for the right candidate, it is not a necessity to have worked in a custodial environment as full training will be given.
But above all, you’ll bring the desire to work with and advocate for some of our most vulnerable children. Keeping their welfare and safety at the forefront of all that you do.
For more information and an informal chat please contact Team Manager Angela Cooke on 01538 483129 or angela.cooke1@staffordshire.gov.uk.
The Interview Date will be confirmed.
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