Senior Social Worker – Child Protection & Court (Locality)
Posted 21 hours ago – be among the first 25 applicants.
Sandwell Children’s Trust, a dedicated organisation that places the voice of the child at the centre of everything we do, is on an ambitious journey to ensure that children and families in Sandwell are safe and empowered to thrive.
Our ‘Sandwell Deal’ brings together a new improved offering that makes Sandwell Children’s Trust a great place to work; it also sets out our expectations of you as a member of staff.
What we can offer you
* Market supplement of £2,500 per annum.
* Retention bonus of £2,000 in year 1, £3,000 in year 2 and £5,000 in year 3.
* Generous annual leave of up to 31 days, plus 5 additional days for long‑service recognition.
* Birthday off paid in addition to annual leave entitlement and 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
* Local‑government career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 21.6%.
* Service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onwards.
* Flexible working patterns that suit you and well‑defined career progression.
* Competitive expenses for mileage (55p per mile) and subsistence, plus access to a comprehensive employee benefits scheme.
For more information please visit https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/.
Salary: £45,339 – £50,726 per annum* and a relocation allowance of up to £6,500* plus excellent benefits. Additionally, we pay a retention bonus of up to £10,000 over 3 years.
Hybrid working 37 hours per week.
About the role
We are proud to create an environment where our employees are nurtured, caseloads are manageable and continuous professional development is encouraged. With a culture of collaborative working and the child at the heart of everything we do, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the Trust.
Based in a locality model with a focus on good quality assessments and dynamic planning, this service strengthens partnership working with families in local communities.
Responsibilities
* Work alongside the Assessment & Intervention Teams and be based in the same locality; these teams respond swiftly when children’s needs are more acute and risks are higher.
* Work in an organised and planned way to ensure timescales set by the Trust and the Court are consistently met.
* Produce reports for Court, write court statements, care plans and assessments in a succinct manner, demonstrating highly attuned skills in gathering, assessing and analysing key information leading to evidence‑based for children.
* Represent the Trust in giving evidence in Court.
Qualifications and experience
* Recognised professional Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
* Completed your ASYE programme.
* At least 2 years post‑qualifying experience working as a social worker in a Children & Families setting.
* Good level of experience working in a children and families setting.
* Knowledge of minimum standards and ability to achieve the Trust’s expectation for promoting change in family life.
* Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions.
* Good knowledge of child development.
* Experience responding to the needs of children through S47 child protection investigations or through S17 child in need single assessments.
* Ability to develop effective relationships with children and their families to identify their needs and work with families to help develop plans to achieve change.
* Ensure that the voice of the child is at the centre of your work and use a range of direct work tools to evidence the child’s voice in your assessments and plans.
By joining our team, you will be making a real difference in the lives of children and families. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change and ensuring the best outcomes for those we serve.
Commitment to safeguarding
Sandwell Children’s Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children and young people.
For further information on the role or working for us please email recruitment_childrenstrust@sandwell.gov.uk and a member of our Recruitment Team will be happy to give you a call.
How to apply
Please click on the link below to complete an application form and view the Sandwell Deal: https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/apply/
Please note that pre-employment checks will be carried out in line with the Department for Education KCSIE Guidance 2022.
* Pay rate is inclusive of market supplement.
* Terms & Conditions apply for relocation allowance.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries
Human Resources Services
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