Job summary
The Family & Children's Support and Safeguarding Service plays a vital role in promoting the wellbeing of children and families by preventing family breakdown and reducing the need for intensive statutory interventions. Through a relationship-based model of practice, the service empowers families to achieve positive outcomes while meeting all statutory responsibilities.
Staffed by social workers, senior keyworkers, keyworkers, and local partnership advisors, the service delivers evidence-based support to vulnerable children and families, including those at complex Level 2b (CAF), Child in Need, and Child Protection levels. Teams operate within geographical hubs, working collaboratively in pods with strong supervision and clear referral pathways.
The service provides consultation and guidance to local professionals, facilitates multi-agency Local Allocation Groups, and supports the Troubled Families programme. By working constructively with partners across housing, domestic abuse, mental health, education, and more, the service ensures holistic, effective support tailored to each family's needs.
Main duties of the job
Social Workers in the Family & Children's Support and Safeguarding Service hold case responsibility for children in need, those in need of protection, and looked-after children.
They assess risks and needs, complete statutory enquiries, and develop outcome-focused plans in collaboration with families and professionals.
Duties include convening meetings, writing reports for reviews and legal proceedings, and maintaining accurate electronic records.
Workers operate within legal and policy frameworks, including the Children Act 2004, and contribute to team and departmental targets.
They work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours support, and engage in supervision, training, and service development.
Collaboration with keyworkers, advisors, and external agencies is essential to deliver coordinated, creative, and resource-aware support that safeguards children and promotes positive outcomes.
About us
Wiltshire Council is the unitary local authority for the county of Wiltshire, England, established in 2009 to provide both county-level and district-level services.
The council's vision is to foster strong communities where residents can achieve their potential through empowerment and inclusion.
The council focuses on long-term challenges, community engagement, and delivering services that support independent living, reduce inequalities, and promote overall well-being.
Key Responsibilities and Services
* Community Services: The council provides a range of essential services to residents, including waste management, public planning, and support for vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with disabilities.
* Governance: The council consists of elected councillors who form a cabinet to set the council's direction and priorities.
* Strategic Planning: The council engages in long-term planning, such as its household waste management strategy, focusing on new approaches and opportunities to manage waste over the next decade and beyond.
* Infrastructure: The council uses Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to support local infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and recreational facilities, to manage the impact of development.
Job Purpose
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
* To be the primary worker with case responsibility for children in need, children in need of protection and children looked after - depending upon the function of the dedicated team.
* To operate within the council policy and keep up to date with social work methods, practice developments, new legislation and procedures, including the Children's Act 2004.
* To be responsible for the day to day interpretation of and implementation of statutory duties and departmental policy and procedures in the provision of services to children and young people.
Essential skills and qualifications:
* Professional social work qualification.
* Social Work England registered.
* Evidence of professional and personal development following achievement of professional qualification, at least 2 with children and families.
* Have up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the protection of, children and young people.
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