Job title: Reunification Social Worker (PO1) or Senior Reunification Social Worker (PO3) Salary: PO1 £38,220 - £40,777 pro rata & PO3 £42,839 - £46,142 pro rata Contract: Permanent Hours: Various Service: Children's social work All applicants MUST have a relevant social work qualification. The Role ( PO1 £38,220 - £40,777 ) The Reunification Team are recruiting three permanent Social Workers / Senior Social Workers to join the Reunification Team due to a recent expansion in service capacity. The key purpose of the Reunification Team is to work with colleagues across CSWS to identify opportunities for children who are currently Looked After to safely return them to the care of their parents. In the long term we aspire to influence service development across the city to ensure that the possibility of reunification for children is considered at all stages of a child’s planning and that relationships are maintained with parents to assist them in achieve change throughout their child’s journey in care. The method of assessment to inform if children can safely return home is underpinned by the NSPCC reunification practice guidance ( An evidence-informed framework for return home practice | NSPCC Learning ). The Home Again Report undertaken by the NSPCC and Action for Children details current learning in this area of practice ( Home again: reunification practice in England | NSPCC Learning ). The Social Worker role is to; undertake analytical chronologies and reunification assessments, develop reunification transition and support plans with children, their families and their wider professional network and ensure effective implementation and review of children’s reunification plans for twelve months post reunification. The role also involves supporting service development planning and innovation to ensure our service is fit for the future. As a Reunification children’s social worker, you will thrive on working restoratively with children and families by building strong relationships to inspire positive change and sustainable outcomes. You will manage a complex and diverse caseload, taking a child-focused approach which is underpinned by our culture of restorative practice and family decision making including family group conferencing. We work closely with local health and third sector partners, and you will develop and maintain these strong links in your role. You will engage proactively in the supervision and appraisal framework for critical reflection and exploration of your role. You will undertake the Practice Educator Level 1 and / or Level 2 qualification, equipping you to take a lead role in supervising, mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues and students. As a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker you will hold an appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and must be registered with Social Work England on commencement in post. In addition to your professional qualification and registration, Senior Social Workers will hold Practice Educator Level 1 and be willing to work towards Level 2 and Social Workers will have completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and be willing to work towards Practice Educator Level 1. You will also bring to the role: experience of managing a complex caseload in a statutory setting, with ability to problem solve, negotiate and manage conflict up-to-date knowledge of trends, policies, regulation and safeguarding in social care communication and collaboration skills, for positive engagement with children and families and productive relationship building in a multi-agency environment ability to lead, motivate, mentor and develop social work colleagues proactive use of supervision for critical reflection and to enhance practice and insight Working for Leeds City Council Our restorative practice model lies at the heart of our children’s social work team at Leeds City Council. We believe that relationships really matter in our role; working with and alongside people is the best way to make a positive difference for children and young people. We provide comprehensive support and training packages for our social workers, with clear career progression opportunities. Our established in-house management team offers continuous support, guidance and reflective supervision allowing you to grow and develop through your career. We’re proud to be part of Ofsted outstanding Leeds children’s services, working to improve outcomes for all children and young people, and close the gap facing those from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds. We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions. What we offer you We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits for social workers including: a 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 a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities essential car user allowance plus car loan scheme access to deals and discounts, including eligibility for a blue light card a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further How to apply Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please call Reunification Team Manager, Stephanie Reilly on 0113 378 6460 or email stephanie.reilly@leeds.gov.uk. To find out more and to apply, please visit the Leeds City Council jobs site by clicking apply. You can also find the Senior Reunification Social Worker (PO3) role there too.