Job title: Social Worker
Leeds City Council is recruiting for a Social Worker role in the Children’s social work service.
Salary: PO1 £38,220 - £40,777 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Various
Service: Children’s social work
All applicants MUST have a relevant social work qualification.
About the role
As a 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. 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 have opportunities for social workers with at least a year’s post-qualification experience. We can offer permanent contracts on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis and are open to flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance, if service needs can be fulfilled.
About You
As a 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 you will have completed the ASYE and be willing to work towards Practice Educator Level 1.
Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload with complexity appropriate to your experience, including assessment of needs and risk management for children, families and carers.
* Develop relationships with children, young people and families to provide high-quality services and advocate for their needs.
* Maintain case notes, prepare reports, and, when required, give evidence in court relating to care or other proceedings.
* Contribute to planning and development of future services and policies; supervise students where applicable.
* Engage in safeguarding using child-focused assessment and service planning; work with multi-agency partners to ensure integrated approaches.
* Undertake assessments, planning and reviewing of work concerning children in need, children subject to protection plans and looked after children.
* Undertake Practice Educator Level 1 responsibilities to mentor and support newly qualified colleagues and students.
* Participate in supervision and appraisal to reflect on practice and improve outcomes.
* Promote advocacy for children and young people, and ensure information is accessible about how to make complaints.
* Be flexible to work evenings and weekends when required to complete casework or attend meetings.
* Collaborate with colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers, and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
Essential Requirements
* Qualified and registered with Social Work England; ASYE completed; prepared to work towards Practice Educator Level 1.
* Experience in a statutory setting (minimum 12 months post-qualification) and ability to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, legislation and regulatory frameworks relevant to vulnerable people in social care.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills for multi-agency working; ability to engage children and families and advocate effectively.
* Ability to maintain accurate records and reports; proficient with IT systems and data protection requirements.
* Flexible, with the ability to prioritise workload and respond to changing service needs.
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Understand and uphold Leeds City Council values and codes of conduct.
* Commitment to continuous improvement and equality and diversity.
* Willingness to participate in appraisal, training and development activities.
* Ability to work flexibly with a positive, collaborative approach within a team.
Desirable
* Possession of a full current driving licence.
* Knowledge of services available to service users, families and carers.
* Experience of working with a wide range of service user groups.
How to Apply
Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Read our guidance for further advice. 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 the recruitment team on 0113 378 5165.
Additional information
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. This role is based in the UK. You must evidence your right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, sponsorship via Skilled Worker visa will usually require a salary of at least £38,700 per year or other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description and responsibilities provided are intended to reflect the role and may be subject to change in line with service needs.
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