Social Worker

My Social Work News; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join their dedicated Children in Need Team in Harrow. In this pivotal role, you will manage complex cases, lead assessments, and collaborate with multi-agency partners to ensure children and families receive the support they need. You'll also provide mentorship to junior staff, fostering a culture of professional development. With a commitment to high-quality service delivery and a supportive team environment, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Join a team that values innovation, excellence, and the well-being of families in need.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working options

Supportive team environment

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
• Significant experience in children’s social care, managing complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex Children in Need cases and develop care plans.
• Collaborate with agencies to ensure holistic support for children and families.

Skills

Case Management

Assessment & Planning

Collaboration

Court Proceedings

Supervision

Quality Assurance

Service Development

Communication Skills

Education

Degree/Diploma in Social Work

Tools

DBS Check

UK Driving Licence

Job description

Job Description:

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Children in Need Team in Harrow. The Children in Need team works with children, young people, and their families where there are concerns around child welfare, but the threshold for child protection is not met. As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for managing complex cases, supporting less experienced social workers, and ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in accordance with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Manage a caseload of complex Children in Need cases, including children on Child in Need plans, and those transitioning to Child Protection or court proceedings when necessary. Conduct detailed assessments, develop care plans, and implement interventions that promote the safety, wellbeing, and development of children and young people.
• Assessment & Planning: Lead on the completion of comprehensive assessments, including Child and Family Assessments, to inform care planning. Work with children and families to develop tailored plans that address identified needs, risks, and strengths, while ensuring that services are delivered in a timely and effective manner. Conduct thorough risk assessments and monitor safeguarding concerns, ensuring that appropriate interventions are in place to protect children. Work closely with multi-agency partners to review and update risk management plans as circumstances change.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other agencies, such as health, education, housing, and the police, to ensure a holistic approach to meeting the needs of children and families. Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, including Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings and Child in Need reviews, ensuring that services are coordinated.
• Court Proceedings: When necessary, prepare high-quality court reports and attend court to present evidence regarding the welfare of children. Ensure that all legal documentation is thorough and that recommendations to the court are robust and child-centred.
• Supervision: Provide supervision, advice, and guidance to less experienced social workers within the Children in Need team. Support them in managing complex cases and ensure that they are meeting professional standards and best practice guidelines. Act as a mentor to promote professional development and reflective practice.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all work is completed to a high standard, in line with statutory requirements and the policies of Harrow Children’s Services. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, ensuring compliance with quality assurance processes and participating in case audits as required.
• Service Development: Contribute to service improvement initiatives within the Children in Need team, identifying areas for development and working with team leaders and managers to implement new strategies and practices. Lead by example, promoting innovation and excellence within the team.

Qualifications:

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience: Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, ideally in a Children in Need, Child Protection, or similar setting. Proven ability to manage complex cases and deliver high-quality assessments, interventions, and care plans.
• Knowledge & Skills: Strong working knowledge of UK legislation, guidance, and policies relevant to children’s social care, including the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and Child in Need processes. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with children, families, and professionals from other agencies.
• Other Requirements: A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable, as travel across the borough may be required. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Why Join the Children in Need Team in Harrow?

The Children in Need team in Harrow is dedicated to providing high-quality support to children and families at crucial stages in their lives. As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a key role in ensuring that children in need receive the right support at the right time, while contributing to the development and improvement of services.

You will benefit from:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid working.
• A supportive team environment with regular supervision, mentoring, and reflective practice.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your career.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families and have the experience and skills to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you.