Overview
Our client Somerset Council is looking for a Qualified Social Worker to join their Children in Need service.
The Children and Young People’s Social Care Team provides services to Children in Need, children subject to Child Protection Plans, Looked After Children, and consultancy across Early Help Services. The Family Front Door Social Worker is responsible for triaging referrals, gathering and analysing information, and making clear, evidence-based recommendations. The role interfaces with families and partner agencies to ensure that Children and Families within Somerset get the correct level of support at the correct time. All Front Door practitioners are office based for their intervention, assessment and triage.
The Social Worker will need to manage diverse and frequently complex situations which may require a statutory discussion under Section 47 of the Children Act. Strong assessment and analytical skills are required and the ability to prioritise needs and risks within a short timeframe. Workers will be part of a Multi Agency Saf safeguarding Hub (MASH) and will be required to participate in MASH discussions when required. It is essential that the practitioner offers clear, balanced and evidence-based findings to our partner agencies in the best interest of children. This is to ensure that they are receiving a timely and robust package of support from professionals around them.
Job Description
Effectively evaluate/triage all incoming referrals to form a professional assessment and recommendation for Children and Families. In order to do this the practitioner needs to remain curious and reflective to ensure recommendations are balanced and considered in the best interest of children and families.
Triage and analyse referrals which may include requests to support Children under Section 17 CiN and Children at risk of immediate harm who require immediate protection under Section 47 of the Children Act.
Have a good understanding of Early Help Services within Somerset and understand the interface between these two strands in order to ensure recommendations are proportionate and the correct service is provided for Children and Families in line with their needs.
Understand, uphold and promote the aims of the council’s equality, diversity and inclusion policies; health, safety and wellbeing of self and others; and organisational values in everything you do. Equality and Diversity practice covers both interaction.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate/triage all incoming referrals to form a professional assessment and recommendation for Children and Families.
- Triage and analyse referrals including requests to support Children under Section 17 CiN and Children at risk of immediate harm who require immediate protection under Section 47 of the Children Act.
- Understand Early Help Services within Somerset and the interface between Early Help and Children’s Social Care to ensure proportionate and correct service provision.
- Uphold and promote equality, diversity and inclusion policies; health, safety and wellbeing of self and others; and organisational values in all work.
- Work as part of a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and participate in MASH discussions as required, providing clear, balanced, evidence-based findings for partner agencies.
- Ensure timely and robust packages of support for children and families.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker (or equivalent) with current registration.
- Experience in Children in Need, Child Protection, Looked After Children or related services.
- Strong assessment and analytical skills; ability to manage diverse and complex situations and prioritise risks within tight timeframes.
- Ability to work effectively with partner agencies and participate in MASH discussions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present evidence-based findings clearly.
- Understanding and promotion of equality and diversity policies.
Additional Information
Equality and Diversity practice covers interactions and organisational values.
Note: Employment is through Remedy; DBS required if applicable.
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