Children Services - OFSTED RATING 2024 – GOOD “Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend. They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work.” “Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support” CPD “The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families. LEADERS INPUT “Leaders understand their local communities and have used this knowledge strategically and effectively to meet children’s needs” Our vision is A Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as a Social Worker, you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that: All paths lead back to the child. We spend time getting to know each child and their story. We do what we say we're going to do. We work with the whole family. No matter what, we aim to make things better. You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer that has been designed by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focussing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager. Please click the link below to find more information on Southend City Council’s Children’s Services and to peruse our current vacancies: Children’s Services – Southend-on-Sea City Council jobs (job-essentials.com) Southend Council are looking to appoint a permanent, full-time, Permanency Team Manager and Panel Advisor. The post-holder will be responsible for the line management of all connected carers assessments, Special Guardianship assessments and initial viability assessments. They will hold the permanence lead function and panel advisor role for fostering, which requires partnership work across children’s services. The key responsibilities are for management and coordination of the Permanency and Fostering panel, including management, training, development and quality assurance of fostering panel chair and panel members. They will coordinate and attend Permanency Panel, Permanency Planning Meetings and case track meetings, advising on the best way to achieve the most appropriate outcomes for children. Contribute to the training of fostering chair and panel members and giving advice to panels where it is required. Lead and work in close collaboration with Head of Service, Service Managers, Team Managers, Independent Reviewing Officers, and Children’s Social Workers to develop and maintain relevant Management Information Systems, and to lead on the analysis and reporting of practice/business activities linked to the permanency and fostering panel. Monitor the outcomes for children who have been presented to ensure effective panel functions and ensure the quality assurance of the panel record and their distribution. The post-holder will also need to provide formal, professional supervision to staff, ensuring that appraisals are undertaken, identify skills gaps or training needs. You will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the team's performance, standards and quality of work, to ensure that the council complies with policy, procedures and professional standards. The position is hybrid working, but you will be expected to be on site a minimum of 1 day a week. There will be a face-to-face team meeting every other week on a Tuesday. To be successful in this position you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. You are required to have 2 years managerial/performance management/quality assurance experience as well as knowledge of legislation and fostering regulations gained within a social services context. Along with 4 years of working within children and families. If you are a person who is passionate and highly motivated about developing services within a health and social care perspective we would want to hear from you. When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.