Senior Social Worker - Req25029

Job title: Supervisory Social Worker, Fostering
Salary: £40,221.00 - £43,421.04
Hours: 37 per week/18.5 per week
Contract: Permanent

Internal vacancy. Applications will only be considered from existing Leeds City Council employees.

Our mission is for Leeds to be the best city to grow up in for all our children and young people. Children’s Social Work Services have an upcoming ambitious programme of recruitment and are seeking a Team Manager for our Assessment, Recruitment and Retention Team.
As a Supervisory Social Worker you will join one of our four mainstream fostering teams, you will be responsible for managing a caseload of foster carers; providing the necessary supervision and support to enable them to effectively fulfil their role in caring for our looked after children and young people.
Experience of working with looked after children is essential as is an understanding of fostering and the regulatory context, ideally you would have direct experience of working in a fostering service.
We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. Through our visions and goals, we invest in children and young people to help build an increasingly prosperous and successful city.  We aim to improve outcomes for all our children whilst recognising the need for outcomes to improve faster for children and young people from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About the role
Leeds is a large, vibrant city with a great diversity of communities, including some areas of significant deprivation. We are looking for applicants from all backgrounds with the right level of knowledge, skills and experience. The successful candidate will be creative and passionate about improving the outcomes for children and young people, and who can commit to our culture of restorative practice and family decision-making. 

As our next postholder you will deliver a high standard of social work, which places the child at the heart of everything we do, while ensuring that the responsibilities of the local authority are being met.
What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

We provide comprehensive support and training packages at all levels with clear career progression opportunities and were awarded best Social Work Employer in 2019. We can offer continuous support, guidance and reflective supervision allowing you to grow and develop through your career.
How to apply

Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose 

Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children, their families, and carers in accordance with the organisational needs, policy, and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines. Develop relationships with children, young people, and families/carers so as to best provide a high-quality service.  Honour commitments and demonstrate accountability.

This is an experienced Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support, and guidance to other team members. 

The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures,  and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding children, their families, and carers. 
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. 
• Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users. 
• Supervise students and develop the practice learning setting and provide guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.
• Carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.   
• Provide advice, support, and guidance on casework to less experienced team members 
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child focused approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the on-going needs of users, their families, and carers.
• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.
• Use a safeguarding framework, to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 
• Maintain and update case notes and other records and write reports as required.
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Comply with relevant governance, policy, and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures. 
• Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. 
• Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies, promote innovative ways of developing practice and contribute to the development of capacity within the community.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi-agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• Work to and within the prescribed knowledge and skill statement (Child & Family Social Work 2014) 
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.
• Carry out the role and responsibilities of key worker for a caseload which will include complex and statutory work. 
• Undertake assessment, planning and reviewing of work concerning children in need, children subject to child protection plans and children who are looked after in care.
• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Participate in arrangements to receive, screen, and respond to requests for service and referrals 
• Work with children and young people, families, and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders 
• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families
• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
• Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce the need for children to become looked after in care.
• Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings. 
• Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager.
• Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.
• Promote the right to advocacy to all children and young people on their caseload and offer full information on how to make complaints.
• Be available for young people to contact and respond to phone calls/call them back promptly. 
• Make young people aware of whom they can contact outside office hours.
• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.
• Work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers, and other agencies.  Supervision will be provided as a minimum on a monthly basis
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade  
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

The post requires an appropriate professional qualification (DipSW, Degree, CQSW or equivalent).  

You should be registered with Social Work England upon commencement of the post and maintain registration.  

Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period. 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION 

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills required 

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.  
• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users   
• Able to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers, and colleagues
• Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers, and other agencies 
• Able to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
• Able to innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions 
• Able to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans 
• Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach
• Able to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary
• Able to be flexible, creative and use own initiative
• Able to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Able to chair multi-agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity
• Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff
• Able to lead and motivate staff
• Able engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.

Knowledge required 

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent) 
  Registration with Social Work England
• Practice Educator Level 2
• Of recent relevant professional development 
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email, 
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation, and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families, and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment

Experience required 

• Of working within a Social Care environment
• Of working in a multi-agency setting
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems
• Of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach
• Of supervising, supporting, encouraging, and advising qualified and non-qualified staff
• Of the use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
• Of producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
• Of managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy, and procedure 
  Of the application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments 

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the council's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy 
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. 

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required

• Possession of a full current driving licence

Knowledge Required

• Consolidation of learning for specialist practice

Experience Required

• Of working and reporting within a court environment