About the role
We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Kinship service, supporting children and families through assessment, care planning and court processes.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with complex cases, contribute to high-quality assessments and play a key role in securing stable, supportive arrangements for children within their extended families.
As a Social Worker, you will:
* Manage a varied and increasingly complex caseload, including safeguarding responsibilities
* Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention
* Chair professional meetings with multi-agency partners, children and families
* Produce clear, evidence-based assessments, reports and case recordings
* Use evidence and research to inform decision-making and practice
* Support students and new colleagues, including acting as a buddy where required
* Take responsibility for your own supervision, development and reflective practice
* Challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusive outcomes
* Respond proactively to safeguarding and emergency situations
As a Senior Social Worker, you will additionally:
* Manage a complex caseload with a high level of autonomy
* Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues, managers and partners
* Model high standards of professional practice and caseload management
* Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony in Care or Private Law proceedings
* Participate in panels and contribute to decision-making processes
* Support team planning and contribute to service delivery
* Act as a Practice Educator for students and/or Newly Qualified Social Workers
* Produce management information and support service analysis
Kinship Focus
Within the Kinship service, you will:
* Complete detailed, analytical and evidence-based assessments of prospective kinship carers
* Produce high-quality support plans within required timescales
* Work to court deadlines and panel requirements
* Demonstrate knowledge of the child’s journey through court, including temporary fostering and kinship arrangements
* Apply understanding of kinship care legislation, frameworks and support options
* Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
About You
We are looking for qualified Social Workers who:
* Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England
* Have substantial post-qualifying experience (3+ years) within children and families services
* Have strong assessment and analytical skills
* Have experience working with complex cases and safeguarding
* Ideally have experience within kinship and/or fostering
* Are organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
* Can build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies
Additional Information
* You must have the right to work in the UK
* This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to attend the Civic Centre, Uxbridge at least twice a week
* Travel is required as part of the Kinship assessment role
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
* Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
* 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
* Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
* Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
* Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
* Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
* Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
* Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
* Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation\'s success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:
* Enhanced DBS Check
* Qualifications Check
* Professional Registration Check
* 5 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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