Supervising Social Worker

West Sussex County Council; Worthing; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Worthing is seeking a qualified Supervising Social Worker to join the Fostering Team. You will be responsible for supervising foster and connected carers, contributing to the improvement of practices within the team, and supporting vulnerable children. The role requires a relevant social work qualification, strong communication and analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex cases. Join us to make a significant difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Access to CPD and training days

Supportive working environment

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with a recognized qualification.
• Completed post-qualifying training and have at least one year of post-qualification experience.
• Registered with the relevant professional body.

Responsibilities

• Hold casework for foster and supported lodgings support service.
• Supervise foster and connected carers.
• Contribute to improving the practice of other Social Workers.

Skills

Social work expertise

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Risk management

Education

Degree in Social Work or equivalent

Job description

Salary: £43,454 - £55,984 per annum inclusive of market supplement

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time - 37 hours

Location: Based at Durban House, Bognor Regis with Team Meetings taking place in Worthing (Although currently based from other offices in Horsham, Worthing and Chichester due to the temporary closure of Durban House).

Interview Date: week commencing 02 / 06

Are you a qualified social worker with experience in fostering? Can you support the children and young people in West Sussex? We want to hear from you…

We’re seeking a qualified social workerto join our Fostering Team in Worthing / Bognor – county wide.

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will be responsible for applying the highest level of expertise in holding case work within the Fostering and Supported Lodgings Support Service. You will be supervising foster and connected carers and supported lodgings hosts.

You will contribute to improving the practice of other Social Workers and Support staff, developing, leading and championing best practice and standards. You will apply deep expert knowledge and experience to provide constructive and reflective challenge, influencing others to enhance social work practice and practice of carers looking after children, procedures and policies, promote innovation, and introduce new ways of working from recognised sites of excellence.

We provide regular group supervision and peer learning alongside specialist roles within the team to focus on the most vulnerable children. You’ll also have a minimum of 5 CPD and training days per year with access to excellent learning and development provisions such as Research in Practice and Community Care Inform.

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do. For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee, please visit our page.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will need to :

• Be able to analyse and interpret complex information and data, to prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
• Work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
• Work in partnership with carers, colleagues, and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, ensuring that complicated information is explained to a wide range of people. You should also be able to use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action they may not wish to take.
• Recognise limits of own accountability and responsibility and seek appropriate support, advice, and supervision.
• Gained a recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
• Obtained completion of relevant post qualifying training and evidence of at least one year’s experience post qualification.
• Be registered with the relevant professional registration body and maintain it.
• Have knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing, relational practice, solution‑focussed interventions and systemic working. A good understanding of anti‑oppressive, anti‑discriminatory and anti‑racist practice in social work.
• Have experience of managing levels of risk within a caseload of complex cases.
• Be ready to work towards Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) qualification at Stage one or equivalent.
• Travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and / or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

About us

Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward our‘Children First’ improvement plan and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. You will be trained in motivational interviewing, to support our strengths‑based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.

We don’t underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. That’s why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.

For further information about us and about working in Children’s Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit Careers in children's social work in West Sussex.