Social Worker

**About Us**

Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey.

We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive changethat is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.

For further information about us and about working in Children's Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit **Careers in children's social work in West Sussex**.

**About The Job**

**Salary**: £37,672 - £50,202 (market supplements included)
**Working Pattern**: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours)
**Location**: Horsham

The team will focus on prevention, protection, prosecution and disruption in line with the requirements of the National Child Exploitation Action Plan where the aim is to create a centre of knowledge and skill that offers a first response to concerns relatingto child exploitation (CE). Provide support to children, families and other professionals to meet family need and reduce chronic/acute exploitation and exploitation risks to children. The disruption of CE activity to be targeted & intelligence lead to prosecuteperpetrators. To be closely aligned with voluntary organisations, providing both individual and group work to victims and those at risk of child exploitation.

As an experienced Social Worker you will be working to deliver first class support to vulnerable children and their families. We are looking for emotionally intelligent, organised, resilient individuals who can evidence the value they could add to our team.

**Experience and Skills**

**Key Skills**:

- Able to analyse and interpret complex information and data, prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
- Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
- Able to work in partnership with carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
- Able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, including the ability to explain complicated information to a wide range of people and use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action theymay not wish to take.
- Able to recognise limits of own accountability and responsibility and seek appropriate support, advice and supervision.

**Qualifications and/or experience**:

- A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
- Completion of relevant post qualifying training.
- Evidence of at least one year's experience post qualification.
- Registration with the relevant professional registration body and maintaining registration with that body.
- Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing,relational practice, solution-focussed interventions and systemic working. A good understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in social work.
- Experience of effective partnership working and forming effective working relationships with individuals and colleagues, focusing on the needs and handling conflict and disagreement.
- Experience of effectively coaching and supervising others, acting as practice role model and promoting exemplary practice.
- Experience of managing levels of risk within a caseload of complex cases.
- Readiness to work towards Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) qualification at Stage one or equivalent.
- Valid, full driving licence.

**Rewards and Benefits**

We offer small practice teams of Social Workers managed by a Team Manager and supported by Child & Family Workers as well as additional flexible administrative support from Coordinators embedded within the service

We provide regular group supervision and peer learning alongside specialist roles within the team to focus on the most vulnerable children. As a Social Worker, you'll have a minimum of 5 CPD and training days per year with access to excellent learning anddevelopment provisions such as Research in Practice and Community Care Inform, Social Work England fees paid and annual leave up to 29 days, as well as the option to buy up to 3 additional days.