Senior Therapeutic Social Worker

Job title: Senior Therapeutic Social WorkerHours:Full time and part-time postsContract: PermanentLocation: Cottingley Children’s CentreAre you interested in developing your career in therapeutic work with children?Do you have a social work qualification and experience in direct work with children?Are you a highly motivated learner with creative drive to promote the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and families?The Therapeutic Social Work Team are looking for highly motivated and committed individuals, passionate about supporting the most vulnerable children and young people.Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions .About youAs a Senior Therapeutic Social Worker, you will bring to the role:An experienced social worker, who holds current registration with the Social Work England, and Practice Educator Award One. This post is not suitable for newly qualified social workers.A highly motivated, proactive approach to learning, with a creative drive to promote the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and families who have been impacted by their early trauma.Experience in a child protection arena and understand the need to balance the complex interface between safeguarding and therapeutic interventions.The ability to demonstrate skill and experience of working with traumatised children and families therapeutically will be advantageous.An accredited therapeutic qualification is desirable but not essential.About the roleThe TSWT is a unique team, our social workers work collaboratively as part of systemic approach to support Children Looked After, Children on Child Protection Plans and Care Experienced adults up to 25 years with their emotional wellbeing.This is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative, and exciting team, with opportunities to undertake training in therapeutic models. Additionally, the team benefits from Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy input.We are a friendly and supportive team, with a relationship based, systemic approach to our work. The range of work with children and families is varied, dynamic and constantly developing in response to changes in the field of developmental trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopment.As our next Senior Therapeutic Social Worker, you’ll undertake the following core tasks –Screening and formulation of therapeutic needDirect work with children, young people, carers and the systemic network - Devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans.Contribution to the ongoing development of trauma-sensitive, relational, PACE informed support to Leeds residential homesLife Story Support to professionals – including training and Life story clinicFostering Surgery and Social Work Discussion appointmentsOpportunities to delivering trainingRisk management and supportThe Therapeutic Social Work Team is a large, welcoming team offering city-wide services, which may also include some travel out of Leeds. You will be encouraged to develop your professional skills through supervision, co-working and training opportunities.What we offer youWe take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidaysmembership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributionsflexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirementsa clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunitiesa range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go furtherHow to applyPlease complete the online application form.Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.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 purposeUnder the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive therapeutic social work service to children, their families and carers in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Social Work England Professional Standards.This is an experienced Senior Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk within the context of therapeutic need, and to provide specific casework advice, support and guidance to multi agency colleagues in relation to the interface between safeguarding and therapeutic work.To carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of therapeutic need of service users and carers/parents using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.To provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child and trauma 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.To 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.To use a safeguarding framework, to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.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 write 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.Be compliant 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 evidenced based 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.To work to and within the prescribed Professional Capabilities FrameworkWork 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.Participate in training and development activities that ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.To 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.To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and proceduresTo actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and DiversityTo undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorateResponsibilitiesCarry out the role and responsibilities of Therapeutic Social Worker for a caseload which will include providing quality complex systemic therapeutic assessments and interventions within a statutory and evidence based therapeutic framework.Undertake assessment, planning and reviewing of work concerning children in need in Kinship care, children subject to child protection plans and Supervision Orders, and children who are looked after within the context of therapeutic interventions and child and adolescent mental health.Working restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families and carers to achieve positive outcomes, especially in the arena of positive mental health.Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce the need for children to become looked after in care using a range of interventions.Participate in arrangements to receive, screen and respond to requests for service and referrals, including the use of clinical measures.QualificationsIt is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.Skills -Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.To innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work and therapeuticinterventions in order to promote positive change and child and adolescent mental health.Ability to devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans.Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach and/or systemically in complex cases.Ability to exercise individual judgement and to seek and provide consultation where and whennecessary.Ability to negotiate the interface between safeguarding and the provision of therapeutic work forchildren and families/carers.Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.Ability to chair multi agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity.Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision, providing consultation and development of student placements to social work staff.Able to lead and motivate staff.Knowledge –Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)Registration with Social Work EnglandKnowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of serviceusers from a wide range of backgrounds.Knowledge and awareness of mental health issues with particular reference to child and adolescent mental healthKnowledge of evidence based practice in relation to therapeutic interventions.Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment.Ability to work and engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.Experience –Experience of working within a Social Care environmentExperience of working with children/families in at least one therapeutic modality to promote emotional wellbeing.Experience of working in a multi agency settingDemonstrate creativity in tackling and solving problemsOf working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approachExperience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non qualified staffUse of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planningProducing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to functionManaging a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedureApplication of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessmentsBehavioural and other related characteristics –Committed to continuous improvement. Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies. Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registrationEssential behavioural and other characteristicsCommitted to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.Possession of a full current driving licence.Demonstration of presentation/training skills.Ability to employ a wide range of therapeutic interventions based on research and evidenced based practiceConsolidation of learning for specialist practice (to include therapeutic interventions) Of working and reporting within a court environment. Experience of working in a therapeutic environment.Experience of working with young people with sexually harmful behaviour. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting #J-18808-Ljbffr