Social Worker

My Social Work News; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Social Work Assistant Team Manager to enhance fostering services for children in care. In this pivotal role, you will support the Team Manager in overseeing a team of social workers, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting best practices. Your expertise will guide the team in managing complex cases and advocating for children's rights. Join a supportive environment that values professional development and offers opportunities for career progression while making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. This is an exciting chance to contribute to meaningful change in your community.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Opportunities for career progression

Supportive team environment

Access to professional supervision and mentoring

Qualifications

• Recognized social work qualification and current registration required.
• Experience in children's social care, especially fostering services.

Responsibilities

• Support the Team Manager in managing the Fostering Team effectively.
• Provide supervision and support to social workers and promote best practices.
• Ensure children's needs are met and care plans are implemented.

Skills

Assessment Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Knowledge of Fostering Legislation

Crisis Intervention Skills

Education

Degree in Social Work

Master’s in Social Work

Diploma in Social Work

Job description

Role Overview:

In this vital role, you will support the Team Manager in overseeing the delivery of high-quality fostering services, ensuring that the needs of children in care and foster families are met. You will contribute to the management of the team, providing guidance and support to social workers while promoting best practices in fostering and safeguarding.

This position is ideal for a dedicated professional with experience in fostering services and a passion for improving outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Team Management: Assist the Team Manager in the day-to-day management of the Fostering Team, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in compliance with statutory regulations and local authority policies.
• Supervision and Support: Provide supervision and support to social workers within the team, offering guidance on casework, assessments, and interventions. Promote reflective practice and ensure high standards of social work practice.
• Case Oversight: Assist in monitoring and reviewing caseloads, ensuring that children’s needs are met and that care plans are effectively implemented. Support the team in managing complex cases and resolving challenges.
• Training and Development: Contribute to the training and professional development of team members, identifying training needs and facilitating opportunities for learning. Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
• Quality Assurance: Assist in the quality assurance of the fostering service, ensuring that processes are followed and that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date. Participate in audits and contribute to the development of policies and procedures.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with foster carers, children, families, and multi-agency partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Facilitate meetings and support the involvement of all stakeholders in the fostering process.
• Child-Centred Approach: Ensure that the voices and views of children and young people are central to all decision-making processes. Advocate for their rights and promote their well-being within the fostering system.
• Crisis Intervention: Support the team in responding to urgent situations and crises involving children in care and foster placements. Assist in the assessment of risk and the implementation of appropriate interventions.
• Administrative Duties: Assist with administrative tasks related to case management, including record-keeping, report writing, and maintaining up-to-date information on foster placements.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• A recognised social work qualification (e.g., Degree or Master’s in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work)
• Current Social Work England registration
• Additional training or qualifications in fostering or child protection is desirable

Experience:

• Significant experience in children’s social care, particularly within fostering services
• Experience in supervising or supporting social workers or staff in a social work setting
• Experience in case management and conducting assessments

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and related statutory guidance
• Excellent assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in complex situations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with children, families, and professionals
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and evidence-based interventions is desirable

Why Join?

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the lives of children in care and foster families. As a Social Work Assistant Team Manager in the Fostering Team, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment that values professional development and strives for excellence in service delivery.

• Competitive salary package
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Opportunities for career progression
• Supportive team environment focused on reflective practice and professional growth
• Access to professional supervision and mentoring