Advanced Social Work Practitioner

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in England seeks an Advanced Social Worker to join their new multi-agency child protection team. The role requires a qualified practitioner with over 2 years of experience in child protection. Successful candidates will work closely with families and various community partners to provide support and intervention. Competitive benefits include a robust pension scheme and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Great Holiday Entitlement

Brilliant Pension Scheme

Professional Learning & Development

Flexible Working

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years post-qualifying social work experience.
• Significant experience in child protection practice and procedures.
• Sound knowledge and application of levels of need guidance.

Responsibilities

• Carry out child protection investigations and safety planning.
• Undertake child protection enquiries until conclusion.
• Work with police, health, education, and other partners.

Skills

Child protection

Partnership working

Building community relationships

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

As part of the Social Care reforms, we are further developing our Children’s Family Front Door to not only support the great work we already do, but to also develop this further; helping families access the right help and support at the right time. As part of these reforms we are introducing a new “multi‑agency child protection team” (MACPT) as part of our Family Front Door response pathway; ensuring that children and young people are safeguarded and protected in a timely way; and that decisions and investigations are led by highly skilled and experienced child protection practitioners with direct experience working with children, young people, their families where actual or likely significant harm has been identified. This new multi‑disciplinary team will carry out child protection investigations and safety planning, manage SUDi/C joint work with partners and MASH case discussions. We are seeking Social Work qualified practitioners with a minimum of 2 years post‑qualifying experience who have significant experience in child protection, you will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, attending strategy discussions and undertaking child protection enquiries until their conclusion; making appropriate recommendations to ensure that families receive timely and appropriate support and intervention to reduce risk and escalating needs. At conclusion of the child protection enquiry, dependant on the level of needs and risks identified, families will receive support via early help in the community, or through our family help pathway as appropriate. To enable timely responses to children it is important we work with families in their communities; therefore, as an Advanced Social Worker you will be able to build strong trusted relationships with our community partners. The new MACPT will work primarily within one of the three district areas of Redditch/Wychavon, Worcester/Malvern and Wyre Forest/Bromsgrove. The Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team is led by two experienced and permanent Team Managers who will provide supervision, support and guidance in relation to complex child protection matters where a culture of learning, critical thinking and reflective practice is encouraged. This multi‑disciplinary team will work with police, health, education and domestic abuse colleagues, ensuring good quality information sharing, joint working and safety planning for children, young people and their families. Enabling us to assess the level of risk and vulnerability and working with the family, their network and community‑based partners to reduce and address safeguarding concerns.

We are therefore seeking skilled and experienced social workers who have a sound knowledge and evidence of experience in child protection practice and procedures. The right applicant will also be able to demonstrate their application of the levels of need guidance and strong partnership working with an understanding of employing the right service and response at the right time. In order to undertake this role, you must have over 2 years post‑qualifying social work experience with significant knowledge and experience of child protection. While you are working hard, doing your best for the people of Worcestershire, we will do our best to provide an environment that supports and inspires you. Here are some of the top reasons why you should work here.

The work we do at Worcestershire County Council matters! We are there for the most vulnerable people in society who need us the most, we are helping to build a successful and growing local economy, we protect our environment, we improve outcomes for our children, young people and families, and we help ensure our residents are healthier, live longer and have a better quality of life. In short, what we do makes a difference to people's lives! With so many ways to contribute, the chances are we have a job opportunity that is the career for you.

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part‑time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you're successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
  Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The County Council has a commitment to safeguarding service users in our care. Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.