JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION >

An exciting opportunity exists for the role of Child in Need - Advanced Social Worker in the Family Help Service. This is a 12-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.
We are seeking to appoint an individual who is highly motivated to support children in need and safeguard children at risk. We are a service committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children at the centre of everything we do.
To be successful in this role you will need be tenacious and passionate about this area of work. The role will involve managing complex caseloads, and helping to establish a restorative practice led culture of continual improvement and quality assurance. As the Advanced Social Worker in your team, you will be the lead on ensuring compliance and practice standards are maintained to the highest level. You will lead by example and work alongside Senior Family Help Practitioners (SFHP) with varying degrees of experience. You will lead and co-work all s.47 enquiries within the team alongside your SFHP colleagues, as the Social Work Qualified practitioner in the team. You will also provide supervision and be expected to participate in specialist project work across the whole service.
This is an exciting but challenging role that should be seen as a step towards management opportunities in the future. In return for your commitment and hard work, Torbay will support you with relevant training and development opportunities delivered via its Learning Academy. We are committed to a restorative and relational model of working ‘WITH’ our children, young people and their families so they remain at the heart of our practice.

SKILLS

Essential:

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to demonstrate skills in mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
• Able to assess situations with clarity and sensitivity and act professionally in crisis situations.
• Organisational/time management skills.
• Ability to implement anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of work.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Good understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
• Has a developed knowledge of Social Care policies and procedures, and makes themselves continually aware of new Child Care legislation and National Guidance.
• Awareness of effective management practices.
• Thorough understanding of current legislation and guidance and developments in services to children young people and families.
• Demonstrates an advanced and detailed knowledge of child development, attachment theory, anti discriminatory practice, the Framework for assessment of children in needs and their families, social work theory and methods.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience of working with children and families in the context of current legislation and government initiatives.
• Two years post qualification experience of working in a local authority setting.
• Experience of mentoring or coaching peers.

THIS POST MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ENHANCED CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK. THIS WILL SHOW SPENT AND UNSPENT CONVICTIONS AND ADULT CAUTIONS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILTERED IN LINE WITH LEGISLATION, PLUS ANY INFORMATION HELD BY LOCAL POLICE THAT IS CONSIDERED RELEVANT TO THE ROLE.

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https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/advanced-social-worker-3/