Job summary
Were seeking a dedicated and driven Social Worker to join our Children with Disabilities Team based in Bognor Regis. The successful candidate will be passionate about and look forward to being part of a team achieving positive outcomes for children with lifelong disabilities across West Sussex.
As a Social Worker with the Children with Disabilities Team you will offer a specialist social work service for disabled children and young people with complex needs. You will work with them, their families and other agencies to understand and meet their assessed needs; supporting them to achieve their potential. Your role will include assessment, planning and interventions with children in need, looked after children and children in need of protection.
You will have a Social Work qualification and an understanding of the impact of disability on childrens lives. Were looking for somebody who is passionate about making a difference and able to use creative and personalised strengths-based approaches to achieve positive outcomes for children. You will be able to work in partnership with disabled children and their families as well as colleagues in Childrens and Adults Services, Education, Health and the Voluntary & Community sector.
Main duties of the job
- Prepare for and work with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances; implementing a range of therapeutic interventions to support change. Use professional knowledge to negotiate with and on behalf of people who access the service, promoting most efficient use of resources to produce the appropriate outcome.
-Evaluate and monitor progress against the planned interventions, responding appropriately to changes in circumstances or where solution is not delivering the required results.
-Report any allegation or suspicions of abuse or potential abuse of a vulnerable person to an immediate manager or supervisor. Contribute to Safeguarding Investigations and child protection planning where appropriate.
-Ensure effective implementation of department policies and procedures in line with statutory responsibilities.
-Develop effective working relationships and communicate effectively with those people who access or need the service, families, carers, colleagues and other professionals.
-Provide mentoring and coaching to junior colleagues. Support care providers including family aides, community support workers, sessional workers and foster carers in providing care and support for vulnerable people and their families.
-Maintain accurate records of all work undertaken and production of case reports and correspondence.
-Chair a range of meetings.
-Responsible for working flexibly out of office hours to assist customers, carers and families.
About us
Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey.The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward ourChildren First improvement plan and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. You will be trained in motivational interviewing, to support our strengths-based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.
We dont underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. Thats why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.
For further information about us and about working in Childrens Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visitCareers in children's social work in West Sussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To see our full job description please refer to our attachments that illustrate our different grade levels which are all linked to this listing.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To see our full job description please refer to our attachments that illustrate our different grade levels which are all linked to this listing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1) A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
- 2) Completion of relevant post qualifying training.
- 3) Evidence of at least one years experience post qualification.
- 4) Registration with the relevant professional registration body and maintaining registration with that body.
- 5) Readiness to work towards Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) qualification at Stage one or equivalent.
- 6) Valid and full driving licence or ability to travel around the county independently.
Experience
Essential
- 1) Able to analyse and interpret complex information and data, prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
- 2) Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
- 3) Able to work in partnership with carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
- 4) Able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, including the ability to explain complicated information to a wide range of people and use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action they may not wish to take.
- 5) Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing, relational practice, solution-focussed interventions and systemic working. A good understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in social work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1) A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
- 2) Completion of relevant post qualifying training.
- 3) Evidence of at least one years experience post qualification.
- 4) Registration with the relevant professional registration body and maintaining registration with that body.
- 5) Readiness to work towards Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) qualification at Stage one or equivalent.
- 6) Valid and full driving licence or ability to travel around the county independently.
Experience
Essential
- 1) Able to analyse and interpret complex information and data, prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
- 2) Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
- 3) Able to work in partnership with carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
- 4) Able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, including the ability to explain complicated information to a wide range of people and use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action they may not wish to take.
- 5) Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing, relational practice, solution-focussed interventions and systemic working. A good understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in social work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
