At the Northampton Children's Trust, our ethos revolves around prioritising the needs of children, extending our care to encompass the welfare of the entire family unit. With a dedication to trust, integrity, and empathy, we are committed to providing optimal solutions for each child, without exception. If you share our passion for demonstrating respect, kindness, and steadfast commitment, we invite you to join us in crafting a better tomorrow for our community.
Job Title: Social Worker - Children in Care Court Team
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: £39,384 - £42,620 per annum
Overall Purpose of the role:
The role is responsible for providing practical and social work support for children, young people and families. This involves holding a more complex caseload. This will include undertaking assessments, visiting children and their families, carrying out interventions, reviewing the work undertaken, direct work with children, young people and families and any other work identified as necessary. All this must be based on best evidence and good practice, privileging the best interests of children and young people. The post holder could be expected to offer mentoring, work-shadowing/work experience opportunities and study towards the Practice Educator qualification and post qualifying modules.
Principal Responsibilities:
Work independently to manage a more complex caseload effectively, ensuring that responsibilities align appropriately with your knowledge and skills.
Engage directly with children, young people, and families, involving all key family members and prioritising the safety of children and young people. Employ the Signs of Safety methodology to collaborate with families, empowering them to find solutions while adhering to Children's Services policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
Conduct thorough and ongoing assessments of family social needs and risks to children, with a specific focus on parental capacity and potential for change.
Identify indicators of harm and risks associated with various forms of child abuse, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Be vigilant about recognising potential issues such as child sexual exploitation, online and offline grooming, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and harmful adult behaviours. Acknowledge the potential for children to also perpetrate abuse.
Use reflective supervision, research, and guidance to recognise personal professional limitations, knowing when and how to seek advice from Advanced Practitioners and multidisciplinary clinical experts. Collaborate with senior staff and managers through support systems such as supervision, appraisals, mentoring, co-working, and shadowing.
Navigate England's family and youth justice systems, applying legal powers and duties to support families, protect children, and provide care for children in the public care system. This includes understanding regulated frameworks that support a range of permanence options. Contribute to decisions about family court applications, the type of orders required, and the preparation and presentation of evidence.
Seek advice and second opinions on legal issues, interventions, and plans affecting children, young people, and families involved with statutory services as needed.
Apply the law, regulatory requirements, and statutory guidance to inform decision-making. Balance the relationship between professional ethics, legal frameworks, and the social policy impacts on children, young people, and families.
Essential Criteria:
Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)/ Certificate in Social Service (CSS)/ Diploma in Social Work (SW- SP)/ Home Office letter of recognition.
PQ Award Evidence of Post Qualification learning and Development.
Social Work England registration.
Demonstrate knowledge of current legislation relating to role such as the Children Act, Human Rights.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to use word and excel to produce reports carry out correspondence and keep accurate records. Knowledge and understanding of using appropriate assessment tools and research.
Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to Health & Safety and a willingness to undertake training to enable implementation of procedures. Able to apply it effectively with both clients and Staff.
How to Apply:
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and possess the required qualifications, click above to apply now.