Social Worker

£25,787 - £27,511 (21.75 Hours per week)
Community Wing, Perth Grammar School

A vacancy has arisen for a part-time, permanent Social Worker in the Perth City and Highland Children and Families Team.

The post is 21.75 hours, 3 days per week. The preferred working pattern is Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, although this could be open to negotiation.

In line with principles of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’ the successful post holder will undertake assessments of need and risk, and work with partner agencies to ensure that care and protection plans are implemented.

You will undertake statutory responsibilities related to Looked After children and young people.

Key duties are noted below:

• Undertake assessments of need and risk and take a lead role in the implementation of plans to deliver care, protection and support to children, young people and their families, and promote their wellbeing in the community.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to build the capacity of people using services.
• Make assessments in relation to child protection referrals, carry out investigations and make recommendations related to child protection procedures.
• Assess and make recommendations about whether compulsory measures of supervision are necessary.
• Assess and make recommendations about whether a child should be accommodated away from home.
• Assess and make recommendations for children who may require permanent alternative family care.
• Provide the social work contribution to any review of the needs of children and young people, including recommendations on behalf of the Council to Children’s Hearings and Courts.
• Plan rehabilitation and provide support to looked after and accommodated children.
• Provide written reports and records as required.

Requirements

Essential:

• A degree in Social work or equivalent as recognised by the SSSC.
• Knowledge of child-care law and policy.
• Relevant/Transferable experience.
• An ability to undertake collaborative work with other disciplines.
• An ability to work within professional boundaries.
• An ability to work well as a member of a team.
• Ability to undertake ‘risk assessment‘ of activities.
• Ability to analyse information and draw out recommendations.
• Ability to work towards resolving problems independently.
• Understanding of when to refer problems to the appropriate person.
• An ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
• Registration with the SSSC.
• A full UK Driving Licence and use of a vehicle.

Desirable:

• Child protection experience.
• Experience of direct work with children and families.
• Post qualifying certificate in Child Protection or a willingness to undertake this in future.

Responsibilities

• Take account of service users’ views in all aspects of work.
• Practice in line with the Council’s Equalities Policies.
• Take responsibility for any pieces of work delegated to others in their absence.
• Take responsibility for monitoring and improving your knowledge and skills, and undertake professional development as identified.
• Awareness of the need for safe lone working practice.
• Promote Equality & Dignity at Work.
• Commitment to treat customers/clients & colleagues in accordance with Council’s policies on equalities and dignity at work.
• Maintain electronic records in line with Children and Families Services guidance.
• Achievement of Results.
• Meet required timescales in respect of reports, assessments etc.
• Maintain and promote high standards of Social Work practice.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement of the service and your individual role within this.
• Work as part of a team and contribute to the effective operation of the team.
• Work in an integrated way with partner agencies.

The Individual

You will have a degree in Social Work or equivalent as recognised by the SSSC.

You must have a valid UK driving licence and use of a vehicle as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross. Occasional travel outwith Perth and Kinross will also be required.

If you would like any more information regarding this post, please contact Keith Main, Team Leader, via email at kmain@pkc.gov.uk

When completing your application for this post, please ensure that you provide contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer.

Please APPLY ONLINE. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call 01738 475555 to discuss.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of mandatory checks including eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure Scotland or PVG, qualifications, references, and fitness to undertake the post. This may also include an Overseas Criminal Records Check if you have spent time living overseas.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender.

Perth & Kinross Council welcomes applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

At PKC our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Offer. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about PKC and you could soon be joining our team!