Overview
18.5 hours per week. The Fostering and Adoption Team are looking to recruit a Social Worker to focus on the support needs of children living with adults via a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). This role will include an emphasis on placing the safety and welfare of children at the centre of everything we do.
Responsibilities
* Based within the Adoption Hub of the Fostering and Adoption Team, work directly with children and adults to undertake assessments of SGO support needs, produce and action SGO support plans and review these regularly.
* Offer advice, guidance and signposting to Special Guardians, birth parents, other relatives and professionals on SGO-related topics (e.g. keeping in touch arrangements).
* Collaborate with colleagues in the Fostering Hubs, Support and Protection Teams, Virtual School, schools, other professionals and the wider community.
* Be adaptable in your approach and equipped to manage the emotional demands of the role while maintaining professionalism.
* Demonstrate empathy, anti-discriminatory practice and a commitment to positive outcomes for children and their families.
Requirements/Qualifications
* Experience and skills in working with children and adults from all walks of life.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage with young children, adolescents and adults.
* Ability to work in a supportive, reflective supervision environment.
* Energetic, self-motivated with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people.
* Ability to adapt to diverse and sensitive work while upholding high professional standards.
Benefits and Additional information
We offer a staff benefits package including:
* Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a plus public holidays
* Local Government pension scheme
* Discounted Solent ferry travel
* Island bus network discount
* Cycle to work scheme
* Staff parking permit scheme
* Discounted island sports and leisure gym membership
* National and local discounts and benefits schemes
* Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
* Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
The Isle of Wight Council is an equal opportunities employer and provides flexible working options (where appropriate) to support employees. We encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.
We are a Disability Confident employer. If you meet the essential requirements of the advertised role and declare yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.
The Isle of Wight Council reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than stated. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it promptly.
Other notes: this council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
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