Social Work Locality Team Support Assistant
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Part time
Advert Start Date:
16/10/2019
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 30/10/2019 23:59
Salary:
£14,456 - £16,053
Job Category:
Social Care - Children Service
Employment Location:
"McDonald House, Berwick"
Further Information
Northumberland County Council operates a huge range of services across one of the largest counties in the UK. Local Government’s ongoing challenges and the diversity of our residents means we have to work smarter. That’s why we want bold, creative and agile thinkers who can help us move forward and innovate.
For further information about working for Northumberland County Council, please click here: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/working
The Service
The North Social Work Locality Team based at McDonald House, Berwick upon Tweed are seeking to recruit a part time Social Work Support Assistant to cover a period of maternity leave. You will be part of a creative, enthusiastic and dynamic service. As a Team, we will provide you with excellent support and supervision. We cover a large rural area in the North of the County where we have long standing excellent links with our multi agency partners in providing services to the children and families that we work with.
The role
To provide a care management service within a specific user group where less complex problems are presented for example working with Child in Need cases under the supervision of the Team Manager. You may also work with Social Workers on Child Protection and LAC cases. To provide supervised contact where needed depending on resources and caseloads. To assist in practical tasks in other cases. To refer more complex problems to Team Manager.
Duties and key result areas: Individually or as part of a team
1. To contribute to the assessment of social care problems and support the development of care plans which address need, taking into account service user choice. This can include knowledge of daycare and other service provision within the area and parenting assessments. Documentation for planning must be evidenced on the current ICS system as well as paper files. This includes assessments for carers needs within the adult services.
2. To manage and plan your own work in an effective way as to allow the required monitoring and review of services delivered.
3. To work alongside social workers in delivering services and support to families with a wide range of needs. To be able to manage this and plan the work to support the cases alongside the lead social worker. Regular supervision with the Team Manager to review cases will be provided on a monthly basis.
4. To provide or assist in the provision of practical assistance, advice, signposting or support with recovery and advice service users, their carers and families on the caseload of other workers, subject to the agreement of the Team Manager. This would include supporting discharge of service users from hospital.
5. To attend and contribute to child in need meetings.
6. To advocate on behalf of service users.
7. To participate in the office duty system as appropriate to support social workers with visits where a second person may be required.
8. You may be required to attend court when requested.
You may also be required to support some young parents during court proceedings when their baby is in care proceedings.
To provide supervised contact for families who have an allocated social worker. This includes the following:-
-To supervise contact between parents and children who are subject to child protection plans or care proceedings.
-To observe and assess the interaction between parent/carer and child and the parenting ability of the parent/carer who are subject to child protection plans or care proceedings.
-To write reports as requested by court regarding parenting skills and record positive changes and or a decline in parenting.
-To record every contact to a high standard which could be used in the court process.
-To transport children to and from placements which at times may be a protected placement.
-To arrange contact times and venues based on risk assessments to ensure children are safe.
-To ensure that you maintain a professional manner at all times especially when working in volatile situations.
-To establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with individuals, groups, families and staff from other agencies. Highly developed interpersonal skills are required in order to do this effectively. This would include working with people who could be disturbed, upset and present challenging behaviours.
-To make case recording on ICS and provide reports in accordance with statutory and agency requirements including multi-disciplinary and safeguarding functions. To use information technology as appropriate.
-To contribute to risk assessments as required.
-To participate in meetings and working groups designed to look at particular needs and problems and suggest solutions.
-To comply with departmental policy and procedures both in relation to the responsibilities placed on the Local Authority by statute and in relation to procedures necessary to support such good practice such as recording and report writing. This will also include assisting the social worker in their child protection and safeguarding roles.
Contribute to care plans to address client’s needs and adhere to child protection and safeguarding regulations and guidelines.
To organise and monitor appropriate daycare provision requested to support the family.
To take responsibility for your own training and development with agreement from your Team Manager.
Any other duties as requested by the Team Manager.
Arrange, convene and facilitate care team meetings, writing reports for the meeting and compiling minutes from the meeting ensuring these are uploaded circulated with support from admin.
Make referrals to a number of agencies and services often containing an analysis of the needs of the child(ren) and the family
The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and extent of the post and the grade has been established on this basis.
We are offering:
-A starting salary of £14456
-Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (or other pension scheme)
-A wide range of staff benefits including a competitive annual leave provision
- Regular supervision
- A supportive environment
- Career progression opportunities
- Induction, support and mentoring from day one in post
- Flexible working arrangements
For more information, please see the attached job description and person specification
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk//getmedia/1c92f422-07c5-4080-a16a-7d13126446c3/Leadership-Pledge-Flier.aspx
This is a fixed term position for 22 hours and is based in Berwick.
The closing date for this role is the 30th October at midnight.
Please note that successful applicants must be able to attend an interview at McDonald House, Date is to be confirmed.
Northumberland County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community. We recognise the difficulties that transgender applicants in particular may face during a recruitment process; any concerns regarding the process can be discussed with Rebecca Harding (Trans HR Support Officer) on 01670 623 130 or email Rebecca.harding@northumberland.gov.uk
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. All applications to work on a part-time will be considered in line with the requirements of the post and the needs of the service.
If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend interview please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk
Please note
This job is closed for applications.