Overview
We are looking for 4 Social Workers to join our busy, dynamic 16+ and Separated Children Seeking Asylum Service. The Service supports 16-25 year old Children in Care and Care Leavers, with our Social Workers supporting 16-18 year old Children in Care including Separated Children Seeking Asylum. Our aim is to achieve stability and security for our young people in local communities while supporting their aspirations and goals. We focus on developing practical and emotional skills in their transition to adulthood and future independence.
The Service
As a Local Authority we are focused on meeting our responsibilities as Corporate Parents to our young people. Cornwall’s 16+ and Separated Children Seeking Asylum Service consists of a partnership team between the Local Authority and Carefree. We are a high performing, young person focused team operating an Outstanding service to Care Leavers aged 16 to 25 years old. We are a countywide service and together we aim to improve the life chances and opportunities of young people living in and leaving Local Authority care. The team is multi-disciplinary – some staff are Social Work qualified, others have a housing or youth work background; we also have a clinical psychologist, tenancy support workers and specialist asylum support workers. All are trained in areas relevant to Children in Care and Leaving Care. Social Workers and Personal Advisors undertake Pathway Plans and Reviews as per the Leaving Care Act 2000 and Care Planning Regs 2010, aiming to prepare young people for the time when they cease to be looked after; thus improving the life chances of young care leavers. Close multi agency working supports young people in their transition to independence; working with Housing, Careers Services, We Are With You, Youth Offending Service, Benefits Agencies (DWP), Early Intervention teams, CAMHS and Adult Services where appropriate, as well as many others.
Responsibilities
* Lead on Care Planning; CIC reviews and Pathway Planning, undertaking lead statutory roles for some children in care and care leavers; lead on developing areas within the team working with partner agencies.
* Be autonomous and able to lone-work; manage your own diary and caseload; undertake assessments and apply evidence-based practice tools to devise, implement and review care plans, risk assessments and risk management plans.
* Collaborate with partner agencies to lead on Care Planning, CIC reviews and Pathway Planning.
* Undertake lead statutory responsibilities for some children in care and care leavers and contribute to team development.
* Work in a multi-disciplinary environment alongside Housing, CAMHS, Youth Services, DWP and other services as appropriate.
About You / What You’ll Need To Succeed
* A Social Work degree or equivalent (Dip.SW; BA Social Work) and registration with Social Work England.
* Experience working with children and young people, including children in care and/or care leavers.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage with young people and work with families and professionals.
* Knowledge of issues affecting children in care and care leavers; ability to work in the community with diverse backgrounds and needs. Knowledge of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children would be an advantage.
* Ability to work in partnership with multiple agencies to lead on Care Planning, CIC reviews and Pathway Planning; autonomous and able to work independently.
* Strong assessment and analytical skills, including risk assessment and risk management; ability to manage own diary and caseload; IT literate and able to drive.
Working Pattern
37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
What You’ll Get In Return
Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We offer a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees, including flexible working options to support work/life balance while meeting service needs.
Our Core Employee Rewards And Benefits Include
* a competitive salary.
* a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings. This includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
* a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave.
* A national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
* Employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services.
Additional Information
The full role profiles are attached here: Social Worker (NQSW), Advanced Social Worker, Experienced Social Worker. For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Joss Wills at joss.wills@cornwall.gov.uk.
Application Process
Please attach a supporting statement to your application, and you can add your Education & Qualifications details manually using the application form timeline or upload your CV. Demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points marked as “Application” on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. Guidance on how to complete your application can be found here – The application process. Applications cannot be edited after submission; please contact careers@cornwall.gov.uk if you require assistance.
About Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council delivers services to more than half a million local people and over five million visitors a year. We are happy to discuss flexible working options such as part-time or compressed hours. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, and we will assess applicants on their merits. Cornwall Council is committed to safeguarding and following safer recruitment principles to ensure staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children, young people and adults at risk.
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