Social Worker - Children and Families

Senior Social Worker - Children's Services, Wakefield Council (Castleford)

Up to £35 per hour

Based in Castleford, we are seeking a motivated and skilled Senior Social Worker to join our dynamic Children and Young People’s Directorate. You will play a vital role in providing a high-quality and comprehensive social work service to children, young people, their families, and carers, making a tangible difference within our community.

Duties

• Provide a high-quality and comprehensive social work service, ensuring adherence to the policies and procedures of the Children and Young People’s Directorate, regulatory and statutory guidelines, the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Child and Family Work, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.
• Contribute to a wide range of statutory social work activities, expertly carrying out professional social work tasks in line with recognised social work procedures, Signs of Safety principles, evidence-based practice, and professional social work ethics.
• Effectively manage a caseload of higher complexity, demonstrating your expertise in the assessment of needs and the robust management of risk concerning children, young people, their families, and carers.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes and other records, produce high-quality reports as required, and confidently provide evidence in court proceedings related to care or other legal matters.
• Offer valuable casework advice, support, and guidance to other team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Actively contribute to the planning and development of future services and policies, promoting innovative approaches to enhance support for our service users.
• Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to meeting the needs of children and families.
• Champion the rights and welfare of children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are at the heart of all interventions.

What we are looking for:

• A qualified Social Worker registered with the HCPC.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social work, with demonstrable experience of managing complex cases.
• A thorough understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and national frameworks.
• Proven ability to undertake comprehensive assessments, develop effective care plans, and manage risk effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills, with experience of providing evidence in court.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to embrace new approaches and evidence-based practice.
• Experience of applying the Signs of Safety framework in practice is highly desirable.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

What we offer:

• Competitive hourly rate of up to £35 per hour.
• The opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of children and families in Wakefield.
• A supportive and experienced team environment.
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.
• A commitment to your well-being and a positive work-life balance.
• Convenient location in Castleford with good transport links.