Therapeutic Social Worker

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Leeds is seeking an experienced social worker to join a collaborative team focused on supporting children and families affected by trauma. The role involves providing therapeutic interventions, managing complex cases, and collaborating with multi-agency partners to promote emotional wellbeing. Candidates should possess relevant social work qualifications and experience in a child protection setting. This position offers competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension Fund membership

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must hold current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience with emotional wellbeing and mental health interventions.
• Ability to manage complex case loads and therapeutic needs.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess therapeutic needs of service users.
• Provide direct support to children, young people, and families.
• Contribute to trauma-sensitive care and support practices.

Skills

Child protection experience

Trauma-informed support

Therapeutic interventions

Communication skills

Case management

Education

BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent in Social Work

Practice Educator Level 2

Registration with Social Work England

Tools

Microsoft Office

Management information systems

Job description

The TSWT is a unique team, our social workers work collaboratively as part of systemic approach to support Children Looked After, Children on Child Protection Plans and Care Experienced adults up to 25 years with their emotional wellbeing. This is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative, and exciting team, with opportunities to undertake training in therapeutic models. Additionally, the team benefits from Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy input. We are a friendly and supportive team, with a relationship based, systemic approach to our work. The range of work with children and families is varied, dynamic and constantly developing in response to changes in the field of developmental trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopment.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Screening and formulation of therapeutic need
• Direct work with children, young people, carers and the systemic network – devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans
• Contribute to the ongoing development of trauma‑sensitive, relational, PACE‑informed support to Leeds residential homes
• Life Story Support to professionals, including training and Life Story Clinic
• Fostering Surgery and Social Work Discussion appointments
• Opportunities to deliver training
• Risk management and support
• Provide city‑wide services (may include some travel out of Leeds) and be encouraged to develop professional skills through supervision, co‑working and training opportunities
• Under the general direction of a Team Manager, provide a high‑quality and comprehensive therapeutic social work service to children, their families and carers in accordance with organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines
• Carry out responsibilities within City Council's Policies and Procedures, in particular Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Social Work England Professional Standards
• Manage a caseload of higher‑level complex cases, including assessment and management of risk within the context of therapeutic need; provide specific casework advice, support and guidance to multi‑agency colleagues
• Undertake assessment of therapeutic need of service users and carers/parents using a child‑focused approach in accordance with statutory and directorate procedures
• Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members
• Use assessed needs and risks to devise and implement service and support plans that correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers
• Analyse information to support the ongoing needs of users, their families and carers
• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures
• Use a safeguarding framework; make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or may experience significant harm
• Provide written and verbal reports that are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence usable within the legal context
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, and write reports as required
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure an integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to care management and safeguarding of service users
• Promote improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities
• Apply practice standards, policies and procedures, maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation, disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service
• Plan and negotiate a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility
• Assist in the planning and development of future services and policies; promote innovative ways of developing evidence‑based practice and contribute to the development of capacity within the community
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required
• Undertake specific work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi‑agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery under the direction of the Team Manager
• Participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi‑agency meetings in line with procedures
• Organise work activities prioritising tasks and responsibilities to ensure statutory legislation and service priorities are met
• Work to and within the prescribed Professional Capabilities Framework
• Maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal
• Participate in training and development activities that ensure up‑to‑date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
• Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements; ensure induction programmes and continuous monitoring of learning settings and opportunities provided
• Comply with all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures
• Actively promote and support Leeds City Council's and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as determined by the directorate
• Provide quality complex systemic therapeutic assessments and interventions within a statutory and evidence‑based therapeutic framework for a caseload that includes children in need, kinship care, child protection plans, supervision orders, and looked‑after children
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families and carers to achieve positive outcomes, especially in the arena of positive mental health
• Undertake preventative work with families to reduce the need for children to become looked‑after in care using a range of interventions
• Receive, screen and respond to requests for service and referrals, including the use of clinical measures
• Help children and young people, families and carers make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning and therapeutic interventions and emotional wellbeing
• Work in the court arena where necessary to support CSWS obtain court orders and uphold the validity of therapeutic interventions
• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people and their families, including advising on external placements and child and adolescent mental health
• Undertake detailed therapeutic assessments where complexity exists, e.g. sexually harmful behaviour, non‑abusing parent capacity to protect and placement of sibling groups
• Deliver core team services such as Fostering Surgery; Life Story Clinic, training and provide advice and guidance on complex psychological issues to a range of professionals
• Provide advice and guidance to all CSWS staff, schools, parents/carers, external partners based on knowledge of psychological theories and research, mental health, child development, trauma, loss and bereavement, attachment, child abuse, harmful sexual behaviour, self‑harm, eating disorders, ADHD, ASD and other developmental and psychological difficulties
• Assess and refer to CAMHS if appropriate while remaining the case holder, or contribute within the team to assessments for autism, ADHD or learning disability
• Contribute to the development of good practice and services through participation in workshops and delivery of training
• Work with relevant agencies, including convening and chairing meetings
• Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager
• Undertake Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students, understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Be aware of and understand Leeds City Council policies
• Carry out all duties with regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety
• Actively participate in training and development activities
• Be flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Key Qualifications & Attributes

• An experienced social worker who holds current registration with Social Work England and a Practice Educator Award One. This post is not suitable for newly qualified social workers.
• A highly motivated, proactive approach to learning, with a creative drive to promote the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and families impacted by early trauma.
• Experience in a child protection arena and an understanding of the need to balance the complex interface between safeguarding and therapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrated skill and experience of working with traumatised children and families therapeutically is advantageous.
• An accredited therapeutic qualification is desirable but not essential.

Requirements

This role is based in the United Kingdom. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or by holding another relevant work visa. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they meet all essential requirements.

• Ably plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.
• Plan, prioritise and time‑manage a complex workload.
• Have a high level of effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with partners and users, carers and colleagues.
• Overcome resistance and exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
• Negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
• Innovate and problem‑solve, identifying appropriate social work and therapeutic interventions to promote positive child and adolescent mental health.
• Devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans.
• Assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person‑centred or systemically in complex cases.
• Exercise individual judgement and seek and provide consultation where necessary.
• Negotiate the interface between safeguarding and the provision of therapeutic work for children and families/carers.
• Demonstrate flexibility, creativity and initiative.
• Maintain accurate service‑user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where appropriate.
• Chair multi‑agency and other meetings and represent the Council professionally.
• Develop selves and others, including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements to social work staff.
• Lead and motivate staff.

Knowledge

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Practice Educator Level 2.
• Recent relevant professional development.
• Understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Understanding of mental health issues, with particular reference to child and adolescent mental health.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice in relation to therapeutic interventions.
• Understanding of roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic IT awareness – Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
• Current trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies relating to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
• Understanding of confidentiality, the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers.
• Awareness of safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi‑agency environment.
• Ability to work and engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.

Experience

• Experience working within a social care environment.
• Experience working with children/families in at least one therapeutic modality to promote emotional wellbeing.
• Experience working in a multi‑agency setting.
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Experience working within and implementing a person‑centred/child‑focused approach.
• Experience supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non‑qualified staff.
• Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision‑making and planning.
• Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Managing a high‑level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure.
• Application of information‑gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.

Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
• Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
• Comply with Health & Safety policies.
• Registration with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement and maintain yearly registration (desirable).
• Possession of a full current driving licence (desirable).
• Demonstration of presentation/training skills (desirable).
• Employ a wide range of therapeutic interventions based on research and evidence‑based practice.
• Consolidate learning for specialist practice (desirable).
• Experience working in a court environment.
• Experience working with young people with sexually harmful behaviour.
• Experience working in a multi‑disciplinary setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
• If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria.