Senior Therapeutic Social Worker

Job Summary To apply for this role, please click the link under “supporting links” on the right-hand side to apply on the Leeds City Council jobs website. The TSWT is a unique team; our social workers work collaboratively as part of a 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. The team also benefits from Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy input. We are a friendly and supportive team, relationship‑based, with a 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. Main Duties of the Job Screening and formulation of therapeutic need Direct 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 homes Life Story Support to professionals including training and Life story clinic Fostering Surgery and Social Work Discussion appointments Opportunities to deliver training Risk management and support Responsibilities Carry 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. Work with children and young people, families and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning and therapeutic interventions and emotional wellbeing. Where necessary work in the court arena to support the CSWS obtain court orders and to uphold the validity of therapeutic interventions. Plan and commission services and support for children, young people and their families: with specific reference to advising in the arena of external placements and child and adolescent mental health. To undertake detailed therapeutic assessments where there is complexity: for example, sexually harmful behaviour; non‑abusing parents capacities to protect and placement of sibling groups. To deliver on core team services, such as: Fostering Surgery; Life Story Clinic, training and to provide advice and guidance on complex psychological issues to a range of professionals. To provide advice and guidance to all CSWS staff; schools; parents/carers; external partners based on knowledge of psychological theories and research, mental health, child development, trauma, loss and bereavement, attachment, child abuse, harmful sexual behaviour, self‑harm, eating disorders, ADHD, ASD and other developmental and psychological difficulties. To assess and refer to CAMHS if appropriate whilst remaining the case holder or to contribute within the team to assessments for autism or ADHD or learning disability. Contribute to the development of good practice and services through participation in workshops and the delivery of training. Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings. Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. To undertake Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students. Qualifications (Essential) Social worker qualification EEO Statement 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. Legal & Compliance This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Employer Details Leeds City Council Cottingley Childrens Centre Cottingley Drive Leeds LS11 0JP Employer website: https://leeds.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=leeds Job Details Location: Cottingley Children Centre, Cottingley Drive, Leeds, LS11 0JP. Salary: £42,839 to £46,142 a year pro rata. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time. Reference number: F0100-25-0019. Date posted: 04 December 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr