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Job title: Newly Qualified Social Worker
Salary:£34,434 - £36,363 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Various
Service: Childrens social work
All applicants MUST have a relevant social work qualification.
As a children’s social worker, you will thrive on working restoratively with children and families by building strong relationships to inspire positive change and sustainable outcomes. Our restorative practice model lies at the heart of our children’s social work team at Leeds City Council. As a newly qualified social worker, you’ll be a valued member of our team from the start.
You will follow the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme with support and guidance from your manager and team. Our ASYE offer includes a protected caseload with co-working support, dedicated time for training, weekly mentor sessions and practice café. On successful completion of the ASYE programme you will progress to the role of social worker.
We can offer permanent contracts on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis to suitably qualified candidates. We are open to flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance, if service needs can be fulfilled. We’re proud to be part of Ofsted outstanding Leeds children’s services, working to improve outcomes for all children and young people and close the gap facing those from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About You
As a newly qualified social worker you will hold an appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and must be registered with Social Work England on commencement in post. For successful candidates awaiting formal award of their degree and confirmed registration, we can offer a post as a trainee social worker in the interim.
You will bring to the role:
* ability to assess social care needs and plan, implement and evaluate interventions
* knowledge of social work theory, policy, legislation and safeguarding issues
* consultative approach to engage children and families, taking their views on board and advocating for them
* communication and collaboration skills for effective multi-agency working
* experience of using supervision for critical reflection and to enhance practice
About The Role
As a newly qualified social worker, you will be integral to our close-knit, supportive team. You will provide a high quality comprehensive social work service with support and mentoring from a senior social work colleague. You may co-work more challenging casework alongside experienced colleagues, with guidance as outlined in the ASYE programme. You will engage proactively in the supervision and appraisal framework for critical reflection and exploration of your role. Everything you do will be underpinned by our culture of restorative practice and family decision making including family group conferencing. We work closely with local health and third sector partners, and you will develop and maintain these strong links in your role.
What We Offer You
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* essential car user allowance plus car loan scheme
* access to deals and discounts, including eligibility for a blue light card
* a range of staff benefits to help your wellbeing and financial wellbeing
How To Apply
Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Read guidance for further advice. Check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please call the recruitment team on 0113 378 5165.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider eligibility for sponsorship before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose: Under the general direction of a Team Manager and with support and mentoring from an Advanced Practitioner to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children, their families, and carers in accordance with organisational needs, policy, and practices. Develop relationships with children, young people, and families/carers to provide a high-quality service. This may include co-working more challenging casework alongside more experienced workers and with support and guidance as outlined in the ASYE programme.
Responsibilities:
* Responsible for an allocated caseload under supervision, including assessment and risk management; use supervision to reflect on practice and professional accountability.
* Develop and apply theories and methods of social work practice, including restorative work and evidence-based practice.
* Carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child-focused approach.
* Devise and implement service and support plans aligned with assessed needs.
* Analyse information to support ongoing needs; monitor and review plans.
* Use a safeguarding framework to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
* Provide written and verbal reports based on analysis of complex evidence for legal contexts.
* Maintain case notes and prepare reports; work with children and young people to incorporate their views.
* Use management information systems and ensure data protection compliance.
* Develop effective working relationships with professionals and partner agencies for integrated care and safeguarding.
* Promote outcomes for diverse and disadvantaged communities.
* Understand and apply practice standards, policies, and procedures; plan and negotiate services within delegated responsibility.
* Identify and implement strategies for responding to concerns about practice; prioritize tasks to meet statutory priorities.
* Work within the Professional Capabilities Framework and supervision/appraisal processes.
* Act as key worker for a caseload suitable for a newly qualified worker; undertake assessment, planning and reviewing for children in need, on protection plans, and looked after.
* Restore relationships with children and families to achieve positive outcomes; participate in referrals and service planning; liaise with agencies; advocate for children’s rights.
Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England on commencement in post and annual renewal.
Progression: On successful completion of the ASYE, progression to the Social Worker role and job description.
Essential requirements: Candidates will be shortlisted only if they meet all essential requirements.
* Able to work flexibly across different locations
* Ability to plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users
* Strong communication with partners, service users, carers and colleagues
* Engage individuals, families, carers, and other agencies
* Identify appropriate social work interventions
* Maintain accurate records and use IT systems
* Be able to reflect on practice via supervision
* Prepare and author reports; engage with children and young people to inform assessments
* Knowledge of social work qualifications and registration (HCPC or SWE)
* Awareness of safeguarding, diversity, and promoting confidentiality
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours
* Commit to continuous improvement and equality
* Flexible and adaptable to change; comply with Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Desirable requirements: Possession of a full current driving licence.
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