Job Description
Social Worker (Placements Service) – PO1, £38,220 - £40,777. Full time 37 hours/week or part‑time 18.5 hours. Permanent contract. Based at Kernel House, Leeds.
Work alongside Social Workers, Placement Officers and multi‑agency partners to deliver care packages for Children Looked After and Care Leavers, identifying and brokering foster homes, group living settings and supporting young people toward independence.
Job Purpose
Provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children, families and carers, developing relationships to deliver best outcomes under the direction of the Team Manager, following City Council policies, Social Work England Code of Practice and statutory guidelines.
Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload, assessing needs and risks of children, families and carers.
* Maintain case notes and records, write reports, and give evidence in court when required.
* Contribute to service planning, policy development and promotion of innovative support.
* Supervise students and support them in practice.
* Use a child‑focused approach to plan and implement support plans aligned with assessed needs.
* Analyse information to support users’ ongoing needs and participate in review of plans.
* Apply safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks.
* Provide concise and informative written and verbal reports for legal contexts.
* Work directly with children and young people, incorporating their views.
* Keep management information systems up to date, ensuring accurate data protection.
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals and partner agencies.
* Promote improved outcomes for diverse and disadvantaged communities.
* Plan and negotiate services within delegated levels of responsibility.
* Participate in meetings, convene and chair multi‑agency meetings, and manage work activities.
* Work to the prescribed standards of Child & Family Social Work 2014.
* Carry out key worker duties for statutory work.
* Engage in restorative practice and advocacy for children and young people.
* Respond promptly to contacts, including after hours if necessary.
* Make services available through flexible working arrangements.
* Participate in appraisal, training and professional development.
* Communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, uphold equality and non‑discrimination.
* Address incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation.
Qualifications
* Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
* Registration with Social Work England upon commencement and continued registration.
* Practice Educator Level 1 qualification after 2 years post qualification.
Essential Requirements
* Full, current driving licence.
* Ability to work flexibly across locations and manage workload.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Negotiation skills and ability to manage conflicting demands.
* Innovative and creative approach to finding homes and packages.
* Experience working with Children Looked After and Care Leavers, restorative and trauma‑informed practice.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding and welfare legislation.
* Ability to produce high‑quality reports and maintain accurate records.
Desirable Requirements
* Experience with a wide range of service user groups.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures, including women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
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