Job Description
4 months contract with a local authority
Summary
* The SPOA Team serves as the initial point of contact for information, advice, and assistance for children and families, addressing safeguarding concerns. This multi-agency team facilitates early information sharing to guide interventions. Handling over 1,500 contacts monthly, the role demands quick, informed decision-making and strong leadership.
Responsibilities
* Review and assess referrals received by the local authority, making timely decisions on required actions.
* Provide guidance, advice, and management oversight to social workers on safeguarding cases.
* Supervise and mentor social workers, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.
* Conduct regular reviews of assessments and add management oversight where necessary.
* Arrange and attend Strategy Meetings and other multi-agency meetings.
* Liaise effectively with partner agencies to coordinate safeguarding interventions.
* Ensure adherence to thresholds for Care and Support and Child Protection.
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance monitoring.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.
Requirements
* Significant experience in children’s social work, including safeguarding and child protection.
* Proven ability to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently in a high-pressure environment.
* Experience supervising and mentoring social workers.
* Strong understanding of thresholds for Care and Support and Child Protection.
* Familiarity with prevention services and multi-agency working.
Essential Qualifications Required
* Social Work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work or equivalent).
* Registration with Social Care Wales (or equivalent regulatory body).
* Management or leadership training (desirable).
* Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and best practices in children’s services.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 37.5 hours per week
* Location: 31 Chester Street, Wrexham, Wrexham Principal Area, LL13 8BG, United Kingdom
* Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home on a rota basis.
* Enhanced DBS required
The role closes on 5th December 2025, apply ASAP.
Requirements
The children’s Single Point of Access Team acts as the first point of contact for information, advice and assistance to support children and families and to investigate safeguarding concerns. SPOA is a multi-agency team bringing together key professionals from different agencies to facilitate early information sharing that inform interventions to safeguard children. The Single Point of Access Team is a fast paced team, we receive over 1500 contacts per month and the successful applicant will be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, and will have a broad knowledge and experience to inform this decision making process.