Senior Social Worker

Independently manage a caseload of the most complex and contentious of cases, which could including the assessment, planning, implementation of Child in Need Plans, evaluation and review of appropriate action to ensure that appropriate resources are deployed to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and their families within the required timescales.  Professionally practice in accordance with the HCPC ‘Code of Practice’, ‘Professional Standards for Social Workers’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ for Social Workers and adhere to the professional standards of the PCF. Undertake direct line management of social workers (Up to Level 2). Support less experienced team members with case management and decisions, personal and professional development and provide formal and informal mentoring. Deputise for the case supervisor in their absence, including oversight of team, support with case direction and attend meetings and panels as appropriate. Complete robust assessments of need using the Single Assessment Process including the gathering and analysis of information to inform judgements about risk of harm to children and young people. Monitor, review and reassess individual care and support packages and respond to changing needs and issues which arise. Work in partnership with other agencies to ensure individuals and families receive a co-ordinated response and services appropriate and proportionate to their assessed need and as appropriate, act as lead professional. Use a variety of evidence-based social work skills and methods to achieve specific objectives as agreed with service users, Case Supervisor and Team Manager. Undertake direct work with children, young people and their families and carers, taking into account their wishes and feelings and promoting child and family resilience which helps to reduce dependence upon services. Take necessary statutory, or other, action in relation to the liberty or safety of children, including emergency situations, liaising with other agencies when appropriate.Prepare, within stated timescales, statements/applications for submission to Family Courts and represent Children’s Services as and when required (and appropriate) in Court in accordance with NELC’s procedures to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.  Perform NELC’s statutory functions in respect of children in need and children whom the Local Authority is looking after; and to be an advocate for children in Court proceedings, statutory panels and with other agencies. Ensure cases are closed promptly and effectively when appropriate to do so, under the direction of management, where appropriate.  Maintain accurate and up to date records and reports,(which meet Government, court and statutory requirements), of all contacts with children and families ensuring that the Council’s client database is used appropriately maintaining confidentiality and ensuring required actions are taken within reasonable timescales so backlogs do not accumulate.  Prepare and maintain accurate casework records, chronologies and genograms to a high standard which distinguishes fact from opinion and meets required timescales.Work in multi-agency settings and attend and participate in case review panels and other meetings and forums which promote practice and professional development. Provide information, guidance and advice on availability of local services and practices relevant to work with children and families.Provide guidance to children, parents and carers on the development and maintenance of appropriate support networks and services within their own homes and/or in the community. Undertake any other duties as required which are commensurate with the grade of the post.