Description
We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Kinship service, supporting children and families through assessment, care planning and court processes.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with complex cases, contribute to high-quality assessments and play a key role in securing stable, supportive arrangements for children within their extended families.
As a Social Worker, you will:
- Manage a varied and increasingly complex caseload, including safeguarding responsibilities.
- Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention.
- Chair professional meetings with multi-agency partners, children and families.
- Produce clear, evidence-based assessments, reports and case recordings.
- Use evidence and research to inform decision-making and practice.
- Support students and new colleagues, including acting as a buddy where required.
- Take responsibility for your own supervision, development and reflective practice.
- Challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusive outcomes.
- Respond proactively to safeguarding and emergency situations.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will additionally:
- Manage a complex caseload with a high level of autonomy.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues, managers and partners.
- Model high standards of professional practice and caseload management.
- Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony in Care or Private Law proceedings.
- Participate in panels and contribute to decision-making processes.
- Support team planning and contribute to service delivery.
- Act as a Practice Educator for students and/or Newly Qualified Social Workers.
- Produce management information and support service analysis.
Kinship Focus
- Complete detailed, analytical and evidence-based assessments of prospective kinship carers.
- Produce high-quality support plans within required timescales and deadlines.
- Work to court deadlines and panel requirements.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the child’s journey through court, including temporary fostering and kinship arrangements.
- Apply understanding of kinship care legislation, frameworks and support options.
- Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Advocate for and offer high level support to Kinship carers and the children in Kinship Arrangements.
About You
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England.
- Have substantial post-qualifying experience (3+ years) within children and families services and can work at the Senior SW expectations of practice level.
- Have very strong assessment and analytical writing skills (required for court and for panel).
- Have experience working with complex families and safeguarding.
- Ideally have experience within kinship and/or fostering teams.
- Are organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
- Can build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies.
- Enable others to learn including student and apprentice SW's and be a model of good practice for less experienced staff members. A qualification as a Practice Educator is desirable.
- Be a strong team player which includes regular Duty days in the office and mandatory team meetings and team training.
Additional Information
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
- This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to attend the Civic Centre, Uxbridge at least twice a week.
- Travel is required as part of the Kinship assessment role.
Benefits
- Flexible Working Hours
- 36 Hour Week
- Generous Holiday Entitlement
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes
- Cycle to Work
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Perkbox Benefits
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services
- Travel Support
- Trade Union Membership