Social Work Assistant - Term Time

Folkestonegirls; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A special school in Maidstone seeks a dedicated Social Work Assistant to support the safeguarding social worker. You will work closely with staff, families, and external agencies to ensure the welfare and protection of vulnerable pupils. Your role involves conducting risk assessments, monitoring safety, and providing direct support to those at risk of harm. This is an essential position for advocating for pupils' rights and ensuring their access to necessary services.

Qualifications

• Support safeguarding social worker in a special school.
• Conduct risk assessments and monitor pupil safety.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to identify safeguarding concerns.
• Provide support to pupils at risk of harm.
• Report and document incidents following protocols.

Skills

Collaboration

Advocacy

Monitoring

Job description

Hours: up to 37 hours per week term time plus 4 weeks.

Job Description

Purpose of Job:

As a Social Work Assistant within a special school, your primary responsibility will be to support and assist the safeguarding social worker based within the school. You will ensure the welfare, safety, and protection of pupils with special needs who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm. You will work collaboratively with school staff, families, external agencies, and other professionals to identify safeguarding concerns, implement preventive measures, and provide necessary support and interventions.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Risk Assessment and Identification: In liaison with class staff and SLT, support the social worker with conducting comprehensive assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities among pupils with special needs and their families.
2. Monitoring: Monitor pupils' safety and well-being, identifying signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other forms of harm.
3. Collaboration: Work with school staff and other professionals to gather information and develop a holistic understanding of each pupil's situation.
4. Reporting and Referrals: Follow established protocols for reporting, documenting incidents, and ensuring confidentiality while adhering to legal requirements.
5. Facilitate and coordinate referrals to external agencies or professionals for further investigation and intervention, ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils.
6. Provide direct support and intervention to pupils who have experienced or are at risk of harm, utilising appropriate social work skills and therapeutic techniques, including group work around concerns such as domestic abuse, online safety, etc.
7. Advocate for pupils' rights and ensure their access to necessary services, resources, and accommodations.
8. Engage effectively with students, their families and carers, and other professionals.
9. Ensure the safety of the child by monitoring and reporting all concerns and any changes to line manager, health professional, or parent/guardian as appropriate.
10. Know when to refer information to line manager in line with school policies.
11. Maintain accurate records where required.
12. Listen to concerns; recognise and take account of signs of change in attitudes and behaviour.