Senior Social Worker Reports to: Service Manager (Social Work) Responsible for: Yorkshire and North East personal welfare team Location: Office based in Pontefract with regular travel Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: £40,787 per annum Our client is a national charity whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and communities facing disadvantage due to the impact of the coal mining industry. They are currently recruiting for a Senior Social Worker to be based in their office in Pontefract to lead the service delivery within the Yorkshire and North East region, managing a team of office based and home-based Social Work Assistants providing advice and support to former Miners and their dependents. Role Purpose Responsibility for the professional leadership and management of service delivery within the regional personal welfare team. The role also involves promoting the service locally and developing partnerships with other agencies for the benefit of the client group. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the personal welfare team for the Yorkshire and North East region to provide a high quality, professional, outcomes focused service for former Miners and their dependents. Ensure the effective management of casework across the team including case allocation and management. Manage a small caseload of clients, when necessary, with a variety of needs, by carrying out high quality assessments and providing a range of appropriate interventions in response to assessed needs of the clients e.g. welfare benefits advice, advocacy, emotional support and practical advice. Drive service performance and improvement, monitoring efficiency and effectiveness and taking action to address performance or practice issues should they arise. Support the team through supervision, appraisal, case reviews and observations. Act as safeguarding lead for the region, advising and supporting team members to take appropriate action, ensuring adherence to the organisations safeguarding policy. Manage the delivery of a range of interventions predominantly through a home visiting service, including welfare benefits advice, support with mobility, social isolation and financial issues etc. Keep updated with relevant legislation and good practice and share such information across the team and wider organisation. Develop and maintain good working relationships with other professionals and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Represent the organisation at events and meetings as required and co-ordinate publicity and marketing of services in the region in co-operation with head office to promote and advertise the service. Qualifications, Skills and Experience Essential: Degree in social work or equivalent social work qualification and current professional registration. Experience of leading / managing a team in a social care setting with the ability to manage and effectively prioritise caseloads, work with integrity and professionalism and work under pressure. Experience of community based social care services with experience of delivery with older people and / or disability services. Experience of implementing systems and processes and facilitating change. Experience of contributing to the development and updating of policies and practice in line with legislative changes and good practice. Good working knowledge of welfare benefits system. Knowledge and understanding of the values and principles underpinning working with vulnerable adults and their Carers within the community setting. Knowledge of relevant legislation and good practice, particularly in relation to older people, mental health and disability. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle. Flexibility to travel across a wide geographic area with occasional overnight stays. Desirable: Experience of social work practice teaching and/or practice teacher status or working towards. Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing former mineworkers and mining communities. This role will require a satisfactory DBS check.