Consultant Social Worker

Directorate:
Children and Family Services

Section:
Children's Social Care

Grade:
Level 12 (Subject to review)

Hours:
37 hours per week, on a rota basis in connection with the opening of the Integrated Front Door, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

If you're a dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic Social Worker with significant experience of making a difference to the lives of children and young people we want to hear from you. Experience of working in a MASH or Assessment service, with decision making and excellent verbal and written skills is essential.

We're looking for people who have a genuine interest in relationship-based practice and a strengths-based approach to building effective relationships with children, families, communities and partner agencies.

It is an exciting time for Stoke-on- Trent's Children's Services where innovation and creative practice is being celebrated and encouraged. Our Children's Services want to provide the best service to children and families and partner agencies through a high functioning front door.

The Integrated Front Door is a conversation-based referral process. This fully embedded way of receiving contacts and referrals provides opportunities for professionals to have meaningful discussions with our staff that result in interventions at the right time by the right service.

This evidence-based approach has led to fewer referrals and in turn fewer children requiring unnecessary assessments that do not lead to the provision of support services. These ways of working are being embedded through our Restorative Practice Approach that is being rolled out across Children's Services. The intended outcome is that our locality social work teams will have manageable caseloads enabling more direct work with children.

This role will see the Consultant Social Worker as decision makers, leading on strategy discussions and having some direct contact with children when intervening.

To be considered for a position you must have a degree in Social Work or equivalent, be registered with Social Work England and be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post.

What We Offer

We recognise and reward the dedication of our social work professionals with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Up to 41 days annual leave
  (including 8 bank holidays)
• Option to buy extra annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working
  for a healthy work-life balance
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
  (subject to policy)
• High-quality reflective supervision
  for continued professional development
• Health and wellbeing support
  for you and your family
• Access to staff equality and diversity networks
  , creating a supportive and inclusive work environment

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Additional Information

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don't meet all of the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.