Why should I choose Middlesbrough Council?
Children’s Services in Middlesbrough Children’s Services have worked hard over the last few years to improve our practice, and as evidenced in our March 2023 Ofsted ILACS inspection, we have made steady improvements in most areas of practice identified as needing improvements in the previous inspection. The most recent inspection noted that Middlesbrough Local Authority had been open to external challenge and support and engaged effectively with the Department for Education to ensure this change.
To continue with our plan of improvement, we are looking to recruit enthusiastic, caring, and dynamic Social Workers to join our Safeguarding and Care Planning Service. We are driven by a real passion and focus on building relationships and developing safety within families, working restoratively with them to progress plans and promote positive outcomes for our children and families.
In return, we offer manageable caseloads, strong peer support, appropriate management oversight and regular, reflective supervision from our capable team of managers, as well as great training and development opportunities. We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding within a friendly and collaborative team, who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of children in Middlesbrough.
After years of austerity, unemployment & a lack of investment have given rise to poverty, deprivation, crime, mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse & neglect within Local Authorities, and Middlesbrough is no exception to this. It takes a special kind of social worker to scratch the surface to truly see & tackle the underlying issues in our town. You will meet the most down to earth social workers you could ask for and have opportunity to be part of that. Come and make a difference to Middlesbrough’s most vulnerable and marginalised children and families.
What will I be doing?
We’re working to improve the lives of our children in Middlesbrough – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work within Safeguarding and Care Planning will involve:
Working with children and families from the ages of 0-18 years in longer-term supportive role under a range of plans including Child in Need, Child Protection, PLO and Care Proceedings to improve their outcomes and ensure their safety
Undertaking visits to children and families within statutory timescales and developing meaningful relationships, including direct work to understand the child’s voice and lived experiences
Chairing and attending multi-agency meetings to review plans with families and professionals to ensure they remain appropriate and prevent drift and delay, including Child in Need Reviews, Core Group Meetings, Care Team Meetings, Child Protection Conferences and Child in Our Care Reviews and Personal Education Planning Meetings (PEPs)
Keeping timely and accurate records and documents, engaging in regular supervision, and improving the delivery of services to vulnerable children, young people, and their families, whilst contributing towards delivering the council’s vision for Children’s Social Care.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
You will need to be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England. You will also need a full driving license, access to your own vehicle, and business insurance to be considered for this post.
We need you to be passionate and focussed on improving the lives of our children and young people, working collaboratively with them, their families, other professionals, and multi-agencies to strive for the best outcomes.
We want our children, young people, and their families to be safe, happy, and well looked after so that they have positive life outcomes and achieve their full potential. It is important that our social workers are child-focussed, have an ability to think creatively and able to problem-solve. Being organised and dedicated, resilient and optimistic, are essential to supporting our families in a timely way.
What will I be offered in return? / What you can expect from us?
At Middlesbrough, we believe in rewarding our staff for their hard work and offer a wide range of benefits. We know work-life balance is important which is why we offer flexible hours, a hybrid working from home and family friendly policies. We can offer you generous annual leave, various employee discounts and benefits, an electric car scheme, plus that all important great pension. You will receive a full induction, training and succession planning.
To help us recruit Social Workers who are committed to working in Middlesbrough, we are currently offering a 15% supplement to social work salaries.
In an environment that can be emotionally charged and demanding, you will be offered monthly reflective case and personal supervision with your Team Manager, to ensure that you feel supported and have a safe space to plan and debrief. We offer access to counselling services should you need this.
We recognise that the people who work for us are our greatest asset and when they are happy and feel supported at work it enables them to fulfil their potential and contribute to the benefit of the service and our customers. We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation and ensure that we harness the talents of our staff. Find out more about our equality, diversity and inclusion at work here: Equality, diversity, and inclusion matters ¦ Middlesbrough Council
Anything else I should know?
If you have any questions or want a chat about the excellent work we do, our service delivery and direction, please contact me by email, Yvonne_Priestley@middlesbrough.gov.uk
The above post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.