Job responsibilities
Childrens Social Care provide services which follow from
specific legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004
as well as other Government guidance and policy. We are committed to providing good quality
services to support children young people and their families. To work at all times in line with the Health
and Care Professions Councils Code of Practice. Enhanced DBS check and Health and Care Professions
Council registration required. This role involves spoken communications, so a
confident use of English language is required
Job Purpose:
Hold and manage a caseload including Children in Need, Child
Protection and Looked After Children as allocated by the Team Manager or
Assistant Team Manager. The post holder will do this by undertaking
assessments, formulating, monitoring and managing plans for children with multi
agency partners to ensure good, timely outcomes for children.
Operational management:
Manage and prioritise cases as allocated by the line manager
Assess children and their familys needs and make
appropriate recommendations for services to achieve agreed outcomes
Participate in the allocation of cases and accept cases
allocated by the Team Manager commensurate with your level of experience.
Liaise with other agency professionals as necessary to
fulfil the Directorates statutory duties and achieve best outcomes for
children.
Fully engage in supervision and
performance appraisal
Maintain good case records, write
reports as required in line with departmental standards. Give evidence in court
in relation to care or other proceedings.
Partnerships:
Have a commitment to shared values and the common purpose of
developing a culture of interagency working; including statutory bodies, third
and private sector organisations
Ensure multi agency engagement in all assessment and
planning processes
Plan and commission services and support for children, young
people and their families.
Liaise with colleagues in own and other departments and
external agencies in order to gather information relevant to assessment and
care planning activities: organise and chair meetings as required.
Work with individuals or groups to develop individual
potential.
Understand and support the role and value of families and
carers as partners in supporting their children to achieve positive outcomes
Ensure all interventions serve to improve outcomes for
children
Make key decisions in terms of case management based on
observation and professional judgement: understanding their context in relation
to behaviour, listen actively and respond to concerns
Evaluate situations, analyse and record them appropriately.
Grade K only: Act as supervisor to Social Work students on
placement, including support, guidance, challenge and assessment
Strategic management:
Contribute to the planning and development of the
Directorates services
Understand your own role, and the importance of providing
care or support through transitional periods.
Identify transition points
Provide appropriate support and interventions
Communications:
Advise clients on the Directorates charging policies
Comply with Data Protection Legislation and the Access
Request to Files Policy
Demonstrate good recording skills with the available
technology
Liaise with staff of the Directorate and other agencies to
effect decisions reached, and to participate in all necessary placement or
review panels to ensure that service provision continues to be appropriate to
service user needs and wishes.
Promote children, young people and their familys
participation in decision making.
Ensure all work with children and families remains focused
and meets the need of children
Use high level communication skills, including listening,
building empathy, consultation and negotiation to ensure positive outcomes for
children
Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce
the need for care or accommodation: support and assist families and extended
families, to care for their children
Work with children and young people, families, carers and
communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to
clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with children
and young people, their families and carers: provide advice and support: help
resolve conflict.
Systems and information:
Maintain case records, including computerised systems, in
line with Directorate procedures.
Adhere to professional and organisational procedures on
confidentiality and maintaining appropriate boundaries with service users and
their families.
Safeguarding:
Complete assessments within timescales with children and
their families, develop care plans and provide support for children and their
families
Provide support and advice to carers and encourage the
development and maintenance of appropriate support networks and services within
individual homes or in the community
Take necessary statutory or other action in relation to the
safety of children, including emergency situations, and liaison with other
agencies as required in such cases.
Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of
children and young people that you are responsible for and come into contact
with.
Investigate allegations of neglect, abuse or ill-treatment
of children, in accordance with legislative requirements and child protection
procedures; undertake assessments of risk and need; where appropriate, arrange
accommodation for children and young people.
Apply for Child Assessment Orders and Emergency Protection
Orders.
Prepare appropriate plans for children and young people,
including arrangements for obtaining and implementing Court orders.
