3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The Social Worker – Family Help will be part of a multi-disciplinary team providing early help and support to children and families in need. The role involves assessing the needs of children and families, planning and implementing suitable multi-agency interventions, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children at risk. The postholder will complete assessments, statutory visits, and parenting assessments while working closely with families and partner agencies to provide support and protection.
Key Responsibilities
* Complete clear, accurate, and holistic assessments of children and families, analysing information to support care planning and coordinate multi-agency responses.
* Undertake statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and related legislation, including attending court and managing legal processes concerning child protection.
* Develop SMART care plans using available resources and professional guidance, promoting anti-discriminatory practice and empowering children and families.
* Build positive relationships with children and families, undertaking direct work to ensure their voices, wishes, and feelings are heard.
* Maintain accurate, high-quality case files in the council’s social work database, ensuring all key information and plans are recorded within timescales and comply with GDPR.
* Provide witness statements and support legal processes as required, acting in line with council policies and procedures.
* Maintain professional development through ongoing training, supervision, and engagement with best practice guidance.
Requirements
* Substantial post-qualifying experience in social work, particularly with children and families facing difficulties.
* Ability to make professional judgments in multi-disciplinary settings and manage complex, high-risk cases independently.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.
* Competence in maintaining accurate, high-quality records and producing clear reports and correspondence.
* Experience using social work databases for case recording.
* Ability to lead or participate in multi-agency meetings and undertake statutory duties under the Children Act 1989.
* Capability to manage crisis interventions while adhering to health and safety policies.
* Knowledge of evidence-based practice to inform decision-making and care planning.
* Ability to represent the Local Authority in court proceedings professionally.
* In-depth understanding of legislation and statutory responsibilities relating to Children and Family Services.
* Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and societal issues affecting children and families.
* Awareness of service eligibility criteria and the assessment of risk of significant harm.
* Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
* Recent completion of social work qualification (within the last two years preferred).
* Ability to visit children and families in their own homes regularly.
* Flexibility to work outside normal office hours on occasion.
* Understanding of equality and diversity issues and their impact on service delivery.