Social Worker (Criminal Justice) - WDN05975

West Dunbartonshire Council; Dumbarton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking a Qualified Social Worker for its Justice Social Work Service. The role involves risk assessment, managing service user supervision, and ensuring public protection while upholding local and national standards. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications, including a Degree in Social Work, and be committed to high-quality service and team development.

Benefits

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays

Employee wellbeing supports including occupational health

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with experience in criminal justice preferred.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management systems is crucial.
• PVG membership is essential for the role.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage risks of service users in the community.
• Provide direct support and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Engage in team development and partnership collaboration.

Skills

Risk Assessment

Risk Management

Support to Service Users

Team Development

Partnership Working

Education

Degree in Social Work

DipSW

CQSW

Tools

Caledonian System

LSCMI

SA07

MAPPA

ViSOR

Job description

Job Description

A vacancy has arisen for a Qualified Social Worker within our busy Justice Social Work Service. This is an exciting time as we continue to take forward our delivery plan with national partners to transform Justice services in West Dunbartonshire.

The primary role of Criminal Justice Social Work involves risk assessment/management and supervision of service users in the community. The service plays a critical role in public protection and discharges the Authority's responsibilities as a Responsible Authority under the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2005.

You will provide direct support to service users, and your contribution to team development and partnership working are central to our service delivery plan, within an integrated partnership, to ensure individuals receive a high-quality, consistent, and effective service that upholds local and national standards to reduce risk and harm.

The post holder must be a qualified social worker, preferably with criminal justice experience, and have current knowledge of risk assessment, risk management tools, and systems including the Caledonian System, LSCMI, SA07, MAPPA, and ViSOR.

The successful candidate will receive regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities. A Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW is essential. For further details or an informal discussion, please contact Laura Smith or Joe McGinley at 01389 738484.

Requirements

This post is considered a Regulated Role under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2020, and membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Further details about the scheme can be found here. Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer.

Responsibilities

The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which are spent under the Act. Failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.

The Individual

West Dunbartonshire Council is recognized as a top ten flexible employer, offering flexible working to support work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with an employer contribution of at least 19.3% and associated benefits
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to 35 days, plus 8 public holidays
• Access to employee wellbeing supports, including occupational health and counselling

We invite you to apply and tell us about your experience and why you are the right candidate for this role.

For more about West Dunbartonshire Council, visit this link. Additional information about working with us is available here.