The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding children, their families, and carers.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, author reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
• Develop relationships with families/carers, children and young people so as to best provide a high-quality service.
• Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.
• Supervise students and develop the practice learning setting and provide guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.
• Carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
• Provide advice, support, and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child focused approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the on-going needs of users, their families, and carers.
• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.
• Use a safeguarding framework to contribute towards enquiries, investigations and risk management where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Use a safeguarding framework to make enquiries, investigate and manage risk when allegations are made against carers.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records and author reports as required.
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Comply with relevant governance, policy, and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies, promote innovative ways of developing practice and contribute to the development of capacity within the community.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi-agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• Work to and within the prescribed Professional Capabilities Framework
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.
• Carry out the role and responsibilities of key worker for a caseload which will include complex and statutory work.
• Undertake assessment, planning and reviewing of work concerning children who are looked after in care.
• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with carers, families, children and young people to achieve positive outcomes.
• Participate in arrangements to receive, screen, and respond to requests for service and referrals.
• Work with families, carers, children and young people to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders
• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families
• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
• Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce the need for children to become looked after in mainstream care.
• Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.
• Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager.
• Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.
• Promote the right to advocacy to all carers, children and young people on their caseload and offer full information on how to make complaints.
• Be available for carers to contact and respond to phone calls/call them back promptly.
• Make carers aware of whom they can contact outside office hours.
• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.
• Work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers, and other agencies. Supervision will be provided as a minimum on a monthly basis.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any