We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated and creative Social Worker to join the Connected Persons Team which assesses potential Special Guardianship carers or Connected Persons foster carers.
In this role you will assess and support potential Connected Persons carers who have come forward through the PLO process to offer a long-term placement for children who are connected to them. This involves working with extended family and friends who have an existing relationship with the children.
About you
You will be part of a busy, supportive team which is focussed on supporting children wherever possible to remain living with family and friends into the long-term, therefore providing Permanency for these children.
As a Senior Social Worker within the team you will be expected to have a good understanding of the functions of the Connected Persons Team Fostering services, have knowledge of the wider fostering agenda and be proficient in undertaking fostering assessments.
You will carry complex cases within the team and also offer support and mentoring to other colleagues. You will also represent the team as required, supported by the Team Manager and Practice Managers.
You will need to:
Mentor and support colleagues within the team
Undertake succinct, timely and thorough Assessments in complex situations, using Signs of Safety frameworks and other standardised measures and approaches
Take a lead role in project work to improve and develop the team
Have knowledge and experience of working in a Connected Persons team and ideally of supporting colleagues in their work in a supervisory role
Work closely with other in-house and external service colleagues to support outcomes for Connected Persons undergoing assessment. This includes working closely with all other Child-Care teams within the Trust and with colleagues in Legal Services
Be part of the Duty Team rota arranging and undertaking initial viability assessments of prospective Connected Persons carers
Work closely with other colleagues within the Fostering Service to support positive results across the Service
You will also be expected to invest in the life of the team and develop working relationships which are based on collaborative and supportive methods of working, respecting others' strengths, celebrating differences and seeking solutions.
About us
The Childrens Trust was established in November 2020 to deliver Children's Services to the newly established North and West Northants County Councils. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils. This provides the organisation with unique opportunities to explore new ways of working and to be more agile and adaptable in its approach to service delivery. We are developing a culture that allows the very highest quality of professional practice to flourish, delivering at the cutting edge of new innovation.
What we offer
Highly competitive salaries
£4,000 Welcome bonus
Retention bonus
Social Work England registration costs
Flexible working practices, including home working, flexi time and job share
The opportunity to personally contribute to improving the service
Monthly high quality supervision
Up to 27 day's annual leave plus bank holidays (with service rises to 32 days plus bank holidays)
Opportunity to buy back up to 5 weeks of additional holiday each year
Subsidised local authority Pension Scheme
Additional 12 weeks of maternity leave at 50%
Employee discount schemes
Up to £8,000 relocation allowance
Signs of Safety training
An onsite academy delivering a variety of learning & development opportunities
