About the Role:
Join us as a Child Protection Social Worker – Blanford and be part of our new way of working with families within the child protection space.
Here in Dorset, we’ve been recognised for our fantastic work with children, young people, and families, by being selected as one of only three initial Families First for Children’s Pathfinder sites nationally. This fantastic opportunity comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out.
Our teams are testing and influencing this innovative new direction for social care ahead of a nationwide rollout. We are ensuring that families are co-designing plans with our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer (QARO) colleagues supporting in an independent capacity, taking time to discuss processes, explaining jargon and maintaining contact with families.
As a Child Protection Social Worker you’ll chair an updated child protection conference, centred around greater collaboration and cohesion between all participants but keeping the family at the heart of the process. You’ll have access to our multi agency Safeguarding Together teams, our ‘in house’ multi-disciplinary team after a successful pilot, which are replicated in each locality.
We have a strong emphasis on professional development with a variety of training on offer, including motivational interviewing, restorative practice, and strength-based approaches. Supervision is incredibly important to us with individual and group sessions regularly scheduled.
As a service, we periodically come together at Partnership Workforce Events where we are encouraged to think creatively, query existing practices, and devise innovative approaches.
Your wellbeing is a priority – you will find access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.
Join us in Dorset and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our beautiful county.
This role is full time at 37 hours but flexible working will be considered.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver the service in accordance with statutory responsibilities set out in the Children Act 1989 and other relevant legislation
- Undertake assessments of children’s needs in accordance with Directorate policies and procedure
- Create effective plans which are reviewed in a timely manner
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children
- Provide support, information, and advice to families to help parents become more self-reliant
- Prepare reports for courts and various meetings, presenting to a variety of professionals in different settings, and attend to give evidence in legal proceedings as required
- Chair multi-agency meetings that support the development and review of plans
- Maintain essential records, input, and maintain records on the core computer system as required
- Work alongside the Lead Family Help Practitioner, providing child protection expertise and leading on statutory work
- Undertake direct work with children and families to progress the plan
Requirements:
- Qualified Social Work
- Registered with Social Work England
- Eligible to work in the UK
- This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
Interested?
For more information on this role or to apply, get in touch with our vendor department who will arrange for a specialist consultant to get in contact with you:
0203 906 8670