Social Worker

**Introduction**

Symbol is a company that supports people with learning disabilities. We believe that anything is possible and support local people with learning disabilities to help them lead truly fulfilling lives.

Our Residential Parenting Assessment Service aims to promote value of family life for parents who have special needs and/or other vulnerabilities who run the risk of their child being taken from their care. We aim to assist parents to develop their bondwith their children, to understand the needs of their children and to begin to develop their skills and insights to fulfil those needs. Where families face difficult issues and choices within their own family life, our team are on hand to work through thisprocess and to assist them in placing the needs of their children first.

Due to the continued growth of the services, we are seeking a Social Worker for a minimum of 3 days per week. This is a complex role, working as part of the multi-disciplinary assessment team, where your day-to-day work will have a significant impact onthe lives of the families we serve.

The working hours/pattern for this post will be set by mutual agreement with the Registered Manager, flexible working arrangements can be considered. All members of the Symbol Residential Assessment Team are required to work flexibly to meet the needs ofthe service and to regularly work with the clients "on rota" across all days of the week.

**Role and Responsibilities**
- To ensure the social work provision within Symbol’s Family Assessment Service meets the aims, objectives and quality standards of Symbol and all relevant statutory requirements relating to children and vulnerable adult procedures and social work practices.
- To make a senior contribution to the delivery of high-quality assessment, care planning and support to meet the unique needs of our clients in line with Symbol’s Mission Statement, Aims and Objectives.
- Assist in the provision of a skilled multi-disciplinary assessment of families with special needs and/or vulnerabilities where there is concern over their ability to parent their children.
- To work closely with the families in our care to ensure they receive a social work service which is responsive to their needs and is focused on positive outcomes.
- To work with the Registered Manager of the service to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and vulnerable adults resident through careful and thorough risk assessment.
- To work with the Registered Manager and wider professional network around the child and vulnerable adults to follow appropriate safeguarding procedures if concerns arise.
- The post holder will serve as a key point of reference in relation to safeguarding in the service.

**Experience and Suitability**

We are looking for an experienced Social Work Practitioner with a degree in Social Work as approved by the Health & Care Professions Council. Child Protection Social Work experience is required as well as a familiarity with the family courts processes. Weare looking for a Practitioner who is committed to and enthusiastic about working with vulnerable children and clients. An ability to work with vulnerable individuals in a person centred and empathetic manner is necessary. Additionally, you will need:

- Good communication skills - both written and verbal.
- Listening and observational skills.
- Personal Resilience and ability to support and manage potentially stressful and challenging situations well.
- Strong organisational skills and capacity to self manage workload in order to meet deadlines.
- Understanding and experience of the legal frameworks and processes around child protection.
- Computer literacy.
- An ability to integrate within a profession team and work jointly within a multi-disciplinary team in order to deliver the aims and objectives of the residential assessment service.