Social Worker (Children's Social Care)
Directorate: Children and Young People
Location: Brent Borough
Grade: PO1 to PO3
Salary: £39,264 - £48,060 p.a. (inclusive of London Weighting)
Contract: Permanent
Hours of Work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre and other locations (Hybrid working available)
Closing Date: TBC
Job Purpose:
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Social Workers to join our Children's Social Care team across various Locality teams. You will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality services to children, young people, and their families, ensuring their needs are met through effective assessment, care planning, and collaboration with other professionals.
Duties Expected per Team:
Brent Family Front Door/MASH: Social workers in this service are the first point of contact for professionals and members of the public. You will be responsible for recording and gathering information, consulting with partner agencies, and making recommendations for the next steps.Short Term Teams: In these teams, you will carry out high-quality Child and Family assessments within agreed timescales to inform plans for children and their families.Long Term Teams: Social workers in these teams manage caseloads of Children in Need and Child Protection cases. You will work closely with families to support and protect children, ensuring they can achieve their potential.Disabled Children and Young People Service (0-25 years): Social workers in these teams provide high-quality assessments and a wide range of support packages to ensure the best outcomes for disabled children and young people and their families.Key Responsibilities:
Provide high-quality social work services to children and families, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and departmental policies.Conduct comprehensive child and family assessments for children in need, those requiring protection, or those 'looked after' by the local authority.Prepare reports for court hearings, as necessary, and attend court proceedings when required.Manage a caseload (maximum of 12 at PO1, 20 at PO2), ensuring effective case planning, regular monitoring, and reviewing progress.Maintain accurate records and produce high-quality reports for professional and legal forums.Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies (police, health authorities, etc.) to provide coordinated services.Participate in team meetings, duty systems, and case reviews.Safeguard children and ensure the effective delivery of care plans, including those relating to adoption, long-term fostering, and independent living preparations.Skills and Abilities:
Excellent written communication skills, including report writing and case documentation.Strong assessment skills and the ability to work collaboratively with families, carers, and other professionals.Ability to manage a varied and demanding caseload and make decisions in high-pressure situations.Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.Desirable Criteria:
Knowledge in a specialist area of practice (e.g., adoption, fostering, child protection).Experience in service development and providing strategic advice.Additional Information:
DBS Check: Enhanced, with barred list checks for working with children.The role may involve occasional evening and weekend work.The role requires a full driving license (if applicable).For any queries or a full JD contact Zee at [email protected]
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
