Overview
Social Worker. We are seeking a highly skilled Social Worker to manage a wide and complex caseload, including safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable individuals, with autonomy and professional expertise. The role requires strong knowledge of social work frameworks, evidence-based practice, and the ability to work collaboratively across agencies.
Responsibilities
* Manage a wide, complex social work caseload including safeguarding, with autonomy.
* Demonstrate expertise in one or more areas of social work practice.
* Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention, including ASSETPlus and other relevant tools.
* Provide support for students and other employees, acting as a \'buddy\' for inductees.
* Take responsibility for obtaining regular, effective supervision from an Advance Practitioner or Team Manager to ensure effective practice, critical reflection, and career development.
* Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and use of knowledge related to area of practice, including critical awareness of current issues and new evidence-based practice research.
* Chair professional meetings with inter-agency partners, children, and families.
* Recognise discriminatory practices and appropriately challenge them.
* Be responsible for proactive measures in response to emergency safety and liberty issues.
* Demonstrate cost-consciousness in the application of available resources.
* Maintain knowledge of the current team plan and of own contribution in delivering this.
* Demonstrate awareness and compliance with required standards, including the Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework (Social Work level).
* Use a wide range of evidence sources to inform decision-making.
* Clearly report and record judgements, decisions, and analysis using the appropriate systems (Protocol / AIS).
* Manage complex risk assessments in relation to harm to the public, vulnerability, and re-offending.
* Develop and implement risk management plans and intervention strategies with specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound targets.
* Provide support and interventions to help children and young people avoid reoffending, achieve their potential, and protect victims and communities.
* Promote multi-agency working through good communication and attendance at case reviews.
* Provide robust supervision and support for young people on bail or at risk of being remanded in custody.
* Advise line managers and relevant professionals of any concerns relating to the safety, welfare, and protection of children and young people.
* Provide opportunities for restorative justice to victims and offenders.
* Represent the service and promote its work to other agencies, providing accurate and timely information.
* Collaborate and work in partnership with other agencies in the public, private, and voluntary sectors to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
* Undertake office duties as required.
* Conduct direct work with children, young people, and parents/carers, including lone working, home visits, and community-based meetings.
* Attend and support youth court and other courts, including Crown Court, weekends, and Bank Holidays as required.
* Support young people remanded to Local Authority accommodation to remain in the community and reduce risk of re-offending.
* Work with the secure estate to deliver services for remanded or sentenced young people, addressing offending behaviour and facilitating resettlement.
Essential Requirements
* Minimum of 2 years statutory social work experience, preferably in youth justice.
* Qualified Social Worker (SWE) or Probation Officer.
* Experience of ASSETPlus assessments and working with high-risk children and young people.
* Proficient in youth court processes and managing complex caseloads.
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and intervention planning.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and multi-agency working skills.
* Ability to mentor, supervise, and support colleagues and students.
* Knowledge of current social work practice, frameworks, and evidence-based research.
Skills and Competencies
* Critical thinking and decision-making informed by evidence.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and equality.
* Ability to work under pressure, including on-call, weekends, and court duties.
#J-18808-Ljbffr