Reunification & Family Services Lead (Social Work)

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Modern working environment

Life Assurance

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a Consultant Practitioner to lead on reunification and transition planning within the Edge of Care Team. You will collaborate with children, families, social workers, carers and partner agencies to ensure safe, planned transitions and lasting family arrangements.

You will bring a recognised social work qualification and registration, with substantial experience in Children’s Social Care, including Child in Need, Child Protection and Looked After services, and

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with registration in Social Work England.
• Experience leading complex work across Children's Services.
• Knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance and care planning processes.
• Experience in reunification, assessments, care planning and court work.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead on reunification assessments, planning and interventions for children and families.
• Develop and embed reunification and transition practice across Children's Services.
• Provide advice, guidance and support on complex cases.
• Support children to remain within their family networks wherever safe and possible.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, fostering services and partner agencies.
• Chair professional meetings, including network meetings and planning forums.
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, audits and service improvement projects.
• Promote trauma-informed, restorative and systemic approaches to practice.
• Ensure practice is child-centred, evidence-informed and compliant with legislation and guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Trauma-informed practice

Systemic approaches

PACE

Education

CQSW, DipSW, BA, MA or equivalent

Social Work England registration

Job description

Reading Borough Council is seeking a Consultant Practitioner to lead on reunification and transition planning within the Edge of Care Team. You will collaborate with children, families, social workers, carers and partner agencies to ensure safe, planned transitions and lasting family arrangements.

You will bring a recognised social work qualification and registration, with substantial experience in Children’s Social Care, including Child in Need, Child Protection and Looked After services, and