A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To take responsibility for assessing needs and providing services to less vulnerable service users and to assist staff in assessing need and providing services in more complex cases. Variable working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings. Social Work Assistants are based at locations across the City and will be required to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Provide or assist the provision of services to meet and assist users in respect of welfare rights, as appropriate.
• Provide advice, under Directorate guidance, to service users and carers in respect of financial problems, debts, and welfare benefits as appropriate.
• Undertake financial assessments and give appropriate advice and support.
• Work under the oversight of experienced Social Workers (post ASYE) in making enquiries of alleged neglect, abuse, or ill-treatment of children.
• Work under the oversight of experienced Social Workers (post ASYE) in supporting the undertaking of a wide range of assessments (pre-birth assessments, risk assessment, Child, and Family Assessment).
• Undertake family work relating to preventative work, offering guidance and support, in conjunction with the Social Worker and/or Team Manager.
• Undertake planned pieces of work or specific tasks with children who have a child protection plan, under the oversight of an experienced Social Worker.
• Work in partnership with other professionals and/or agencies within the local authority, to meet outcomes for children.
• Maintain case records accurately and in line with your role prepare any relevant documentation as required by the local Authority and other agencies in accordance with the Directorate’s and policy and practice.
• Arrange and supervise children in care to see their parents and/or other significant family members (contact) to meet the requirements of the child.
• Transport children and families to medical examinations and appointments where necessary.
• Undertaking direct work with children, this to include obtaining their wishes and feelings and supporting them throughout assessment process. This will include Life Story work.
• Assist young people in independent living when unable to live at home, building a package of support to meet their needs.
• Engage with families in a positive, respectful, and responsive manner to enable them to gain the most out of the support being offered and where needed support alternative care planning for those children and young people.
• With the support of an experienced Social Worker/Team Manager to attend and participate in Child Protection Conferences, Core Group meetings, family Group conferencing or other relevant meetings as required and contributing to care planning.
• Offer support and encouragement to parent/carers, relating to the development and well-being of their children with a view to enabling them to remain with their families/carers safely where appropriate.
• Offer support and respond to families in crisis quickly identifying a package of support.
• Under the close supervision of your Team Manager to attend court to give evidence should this be required.
• Participate in appropriate training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• The post holder will maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within Childrens Services, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies, and the general public.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

No Formal Qualifications Required

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment

will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
• Able to work with service users and carers who have a diverse range of needs and presenting behaviours
• Able to relate to individuals and groups, particularly children, young people, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Able to work as