Role Responsibility We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join Dartford Children's Social Work Team at The Willows in Swanley. The successful candidate will manage a Children & Families caseload of higher levels of complexity, involving the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate action to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and their families. This role includes hybrid/flexible working arrangements. Kent County Council's children's services have been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted following an inspection in May 2022. The Ofsted report, published on July 5, 2022, records the top score in three of the four categories and "good" in the fourth, with the overall effectiveness in providing children's services as "outstanding". The report highlights that children are at the center of the council's culture and practice, supported and cared for by an experienced and skilled workforce who listen and respond to their views and feelings. When families need help with the care of their children, or if there are concerns about the safety of a child, they receive a swift response and good help and support from children's social care services. Key Responsibilities: Manage a complex caseload, including assessment and planning in cases involving high levels of risk or need, within the parameters of agreed policies and practices. Work in partnership with the child, parents and carers, Health Service, Education Authority, District Councils, commercial and private sector, and voluntary bodies to identify, evaluate, and review care plans to produce positive outcomes for children and their families. Complete effective and timely recording of accurate information using agreed systems. Maintain an awareness of changes in child development, related theories, legislation, corporate and directorate policies, local and agency practices. Prepare applications for submission to Family Courts and represent the County Council’s Children & Families Service as required in Court. Operate across a variety of SCS teams to gain diverse knowledge and experience. Person Specification: Qualifications: Degree in Social Work, CQSW/DipSW or equivalent, and up-to-date registration with the appropriate professional body. Experience: Diverse post-qualification practice experience in Children and Families, including systemic practice such as Signs of Safety. Skills and Abilities: Ability to supervise and develop student placements and other social work staff. Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues. Strong report-writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly in writing. Ability to work effectively on own initiative as well as within a team. Competence in working within a court setting. Computer literacy. Knowledge: Good working knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures relating to Looked After Children, Children in Need, and children in the Child Protection System. Understanding of family court proceedings and factors relating to adults, including mental health, domestic violence, and substance misuse. Personal Qualities: Emotionally resilient. Commitment to personal learning and development. Commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity. Flexibility and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Commitment to Social Work England Code of Conduct and reflective practice. Transport: Whilst we foster a hybrid working approach, the role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Kent and beyond to transport children and their belongings and be available to do so in an emergency. This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability. Benefits: A competitive starting salary, including an annual market premium payment of up to £5,000. A supportive team working environment with regular supervision. Access to a wide range of formal and informal CPD activities underpinned by a performance appraisal scheme and career progression pathway. An annual appraisal linking your learning and development needs. Generous annual leave allowance. Local Government pension scheme. Flexible working opportunities including flexi time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependant on your job role and business need. Relocation Package. You will also have a range of professional development opportunities including the exciting social care academy and routes for progression. Eligibility: This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.