Social Work Assistant

Job Information

Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us

We are responsible for the entire range of children’s education, health and social care services in all three boroughs. We use a Signs of Safety practice model and approach which ensures the voice of the child is at the heart of everything we do. There’s never been a better time to join AfC, we are growing our workforce, implementing new flexible working arrangements and have increased our virtual wellbeing offer.

This role requires someone to be a great communicator, to be flexible, child focussed, responsive and skilled in the use of various IT systems. Responsibilities will include working directly with children and families under the direction of the social worker as well supporting administrative tasks.

**Please note this is a 6 month fixed term position**

About the role

The Social Work Assistant is a new and exciting opportunity to work flexibly alongside a frontline social work team supporting them with their day to day functions. You will work closely with every member of the team from the Head of Service to the newly qualified social worker with responsibility for a variety of direct work with children and families and the administrative tasks required to support the social workers so they can focus directly on the children they work with. Responsibilities will include, but are not exclusive to, working directly with children and families under the direction of the social worker in order to deliver time limited support, making contact with partner agencies to gather and share information, taking & recording minutes, writing letters, completing referrals to other agencies, maintaining electronic files and any other tasks identified by your manager.

About you
- A passion for Achieving for Children’s vision, mission and values (trust, value. respect) to support children and young people to live safe, happy, healthy and successful lives.
- Able to use a range of digital hardware or software to support your work effectively i.e. ICS, Microsoft or Google software.
- Strong organisational abilities including: time management, creative-thinking, problem-solving and multitasking.
- Confident in undertaking some direct work with children and families under the direction of a social worker.
- Educated to GCSE or equivalent (essential) and some awareness or experience of Children’s Services processes and procedures and knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

About our benefits

We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:

- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years.
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Stable and supportive leadership
- Hybrid and mobile working (between home and work) with latest technology to facilitate this
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway

To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children

Important Information

**Right to work**: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.

**Safeguarding**: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).