Job Title: Social Worker, Leaving Care Section: Children s Complex Needs & Social Care Reports to: Team Manager

Transcription

1 Job Title: Social Worker, Leaving Care Section: Children s Complex Needs & Social Care Reports to: Team Manager 1. Purpose of the Job: To act as a member of a professional team providing social work services to children and their families, with the purpose of safeguarding and promoting their welfare. To discharge the authority s responsibilities under the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and other relevant legislation with respect to children in need, particularly those in need of protection and those in the care of the authority. All post holders are expected to maintain professional standards of practice and to work in accordance with the Departmental vision, values, strategic objectives, procedures and managerial guidance SENIOR PRACTITIONER LEVEL Staff within the four top Spinal Column Points of the salary range will be expected to operate with enhanced professional autonomy - to undertake work with greater levels of complexity and to be able to offer mentoring and professional supervision to unqualified and newly qualified staff. Access to these grades will be available to all qualified staff who meet the criteria set out in the Criteria for Progression 2. Main Activities With appropriate supervision assess and provide services to children and families in need within the framework of the appropriate legislation, regulations, departmental procedures and child care policy. To ensure that services are efficiently and effectively provided, liaising as necessary with other divisions, Council Departments, N.H.S. trusts, schools, carers, voluntary and independent sector providers. Working within the London Child Protection guidelines to undertake key worker responsibilities towards children on the child subject to a child protection plan as outlined above, but additionally: i) Formulating and updating child protection plans, with appropriate guidance from the Team Manager. ii) Providing reports to Child Protection Conferences. iii) Making use of the legal framework including both criminal law and the Children Act in order to protect children. This may include giving evidence in court. Undertaking responsibilities towards children in the care of the authority, including: i) Formulating and progressing care plans in line with the Safeguarding & Rights

2 procedures. ii) Maintaining personal contact with children in care at a rate no less than that laid down in Placement Regulations. iii) Ensuring that the health and education needs of all children in care are met in accordance with National Standards. iv) Ensuring that all procedural requirements with respect to reviewing, consultation and recording are adhered to. To make recommendations to the Group Manager/ Team Manager (or other budget holder as appropriate) regarding financial expenditure entailed in care plans and undertake delegated financial responsibilities. To undertake appropriate training and to keep abreast of changes to departmental procedure, legislation and regulations and of developments in professional practice. To contribute to the planning and development of the services provided by the team and promote the improvement of standards and quality assurance. To use ICT as required to maintain accurate case records, and to be able to report on key performance management data. To ensure the Team Manager is kept fully appraised of problems arising from workload and seek advice as and when necessary. 3. Customer Care Provide services that are fair and accessible to all, challenging existing practices that support the traditional culture and promote the Customer First proposition across the Council 4. General Accountabilities and Responsibilities 1. Ensure compliance with appropriate legislation, Council Policies, the Council Constitution, Financial Rules and other requirements of the Council. 2. Promote the development of a high quality individual needs led service, to comply at all times with the Council s policies and procedures, particularly those regarding Data Protection, Equalities and Diversity and Health and Safety. 3. Undertakes a proactive, committed approach towards the Councils Best Value ethos. 4. Ensure compliance with and actively promote the Council s Equalities and Diversity policies and strategies. 5. Ensure compliance with and actively promote Health and Safety at work legislation, Council and Departmental H&S policies and procedures. 6. Comply with the competencies and standard requisites agreed by the Council as relevant to your post. 7. Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 (all employees of the Council will not disclose or make use of, for their private advantage, any information held on manual or computer records, which are not available to the public, however acquired).

3 8. Take responsibility for continuing self-development and participate in training and development activities. The above mentioned duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be called upon to carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required by the Line Manager within the grading level of the post and the competence of the post holder.

4 Person Specification Template Post Title Social Worker Leaving Care Team Grade Level 2 (Spinal Point 36-39) Section, Division Children s Services, Children s Social Care and Complex Needs. Date of Person Specification February 2014 Attributes Minimum Criteria Method of Assessment Desirable Criteria Experience 2 years relevant social work Application Form minimum 2 years social experience (pre qualification) work experience (post Education, Training And Qualifications Social Work Qualified (CQSW; Dip SW; CSS, BA. MA) qualification Application Form Evidence of Post Qualification Study e.g. PQ Consolidation Module & Enabling Others Or old style PQ1 Method of Assessment Application Form Application Form Specialist Knowledge Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to social work within Children s Services e.g. Child Protection Procedures Risk Assessment techniques Legislation relevant to working in Children s Services Childcare & Development /Test In depth knowledge and application of Departmental and Council objectives and initiatives In depth knowledge and understanding of social work issues within Children s Services Understanding and application of theoretical approaches, practices and procedures relevant to /Test

5 Communication Personal Management Knowledge of Departmental and Council wide objectives and initiatives IT skills Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, with services users, carers and colleagues With assistance, writes clear and concise reports for e.g. multi agency Maintains accurate and up to date records With support and guidance able to manage conflict and tension with services users Plans and prioritises own workload with support and guidance Manages own time to meet objectives and deadlines with minimum supervision /Test service users, carers and professionals Track record of achievement of working with diversity Ability to challenge inappropriate practice Communicates frequently and effectively with staff at all levels within the Department and with members of other disciplines/organisations Attends and presents at multi agency forums Deals effectively with communications which are often complex and contentious Ability to network within a multi disciplinary organisation Plans and prioritises own workload with minimum supervision /Test Management or supervision of others No supervisory responsibility Provides an informal level of peer support

6 Decision Taking Disposition Decisions are taken in accordance with procedures Some judgement is necessary Advice is available if needed Able to work under pressure Able to work as part of a Team Demonstrates punctuality and good time management Demonstrates a commitment to Equal Opportunities Flexible, able to work with and adapt to change Non-judgemental attitude Awareness of when to seek advice Greater self reliance on casework and casework decisions Committed to the values and philosophy of the Department Keen/willing to get involved in Departmental initiative, share ideas and experience Self-starter/self motivated Demonstrates evidence of working in an antioppressive practice and multi-cultural settings Please note, if you are a disabled person or have an impairment it will only be necessary to meet the minimum criteria for shortlisting purposes

7 SOCIAL WORKER / SENIOR PRACTITIONER MATRIX PROGRESSION Social Worker - Level 1 Criteria Spinal Point (32 35 Assessment, Care Qualifications: Social Work Qualified (CQSW; Dip SW; CSS, BA. MA) Experience: 2 years relevant social work experience (pre qualification) Specialist Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to social work within Children s Services e.g. Child Protection Procedures Risk Assessment techniques Social Worker - Level 2 Spinal Point (36 39 Assessment, Care Evidence of Post Qualification Study e.g. PQ Consolidation Module & Enabling Others Or old style PQ1 minimum 2 years social work experience (post qualification In depth knowledge and application of Departmental and Council objectives and initiatives In depth knowledge and understanding of social work issues within Children s Services Understanding and application of theoretical approaches, practices and Senior Practitioner Spinal Point (40 43 Assessment, Care Evidence of Post Qualification Study e.g. Full PQSSW, any Higher Specialist/Advanced Award Or old style Child Care Aware / AASW & PQ Practice Teacher minimum 3 years social work experience (post qualification) Extensive knowledge and understanding of Legislation and Government Policy in respect of e.g. Children s rights; assessment; current issues relevant to service provision. Develops specific areas of expertise

8 Criteria Social Worker - Level 1 Spinal Point (32 35 Assessment, Care Legislation relevant to working in Children s Services Childcare & Development Knowledge of Departmental and Council wide objectives and initiatives IT skills Communication Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, with services users, carers and colleagues With assistance, writes clear and concise reports for e.g. multi agency Maintains accurate and up to date records With support and guidance able to manage conflict and tension with services users Social Worker - Level 2 Spinal Point (36 39 Assessment, Care procedures relevant to service users, carers and professionals Track record of achievement of working with diversity Ability to challenge inappropriate practice Communicates frequently and effectively with staff at all levels within the Department and with members of other disciplines/organisations Attends and presents at multi agency forums Deals effectively with communications which are often complex and contentious Senior Practitioner Spinal Point (40 43 Assessment, Care Detailed knowledge, understanding and application of the principles associated with issues outside of social work e.g. community priorities of the Council, Best Value, Partnership working Theory and current research relating to antioppressive practice represents the Department in a support/advisory capacity at internal and external meetings prepares detailed reports for Case Conferences, Court Cases etc; presents at these unaccompanied frequently called upon to deal with complex or contentious communications, demanding sensitivity and

9 Criteria Social Worker - Level 1 Spinal Point (32 35 Assessment, Care Personal Management Plans and prioritises own workload with support and guidance Manages own time to meet objectives and deadlines with minimum supervision Social Worker - Level 2 Spinal Point (36 39 Assessment, Care Ability to network within a multi disciplinary organisation Plans and prioritises own workload with minimum supervision Senior Practitioner Spinal Point (40 43 Assessment, Care a considerable degree of discretion. Substantial personal autonomy Manages own time and workload, keeping Line Manager informed Contribution to Team and Service Targets Management or supervision of others No supervisory responsibility Decision Taking Decisions are taken in accordance with procedures Some judgement is necessary Provides an informal level of peer support Awareness of when to seek advice Greater self reliance on casework and casework decisions Provides support, advice and guidance to all staff in the Team on complex cases and issues Occasional supervision of e.g. students, contractors, temporary placements, allocating work and checking for quality and quantity. Decisions could affect other Departments or the provision of service to the public

10 Criteria Social Worker - Level 1 Spinal Point (32 35 Assessment, Care Advice is available if needed Disposition Able to work under pressure Able to work as part of a Team Demonstrates punctuality and good time management Demonstrates a commitment to Equal Opportunities Flexible, able to work with and adapt to change Non-judgemental attitude Social Worker - Level 2 Spinal Point (36 39 Assessment, Care Committed to the values and philosophy of the Department Keen/willing to get involved in Departmental initiative, share ideas and experience Self-starter/self motivated Demonstrates evidence of working in an antioppressive practice and multi-cultural settings Senior Practitioner Spinal Point (40 43 Assessment, Care Takes decisions on complex and contentious matters seeking advice where deemed necessary High expectations of self and others; self critical Has presence and authority Outward looking and proactive Initiates and implements change and improvements to service Good practice role model Progression through the levels requires social workers to provide an evidence bank of how the meet the criteria for the next level. This must be provided to the relevant Group Manager who will assess and make recommendation on progression to the Divisional Director