Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team

Job Title: Qualified Social Worker (QSW) – Disabled Children and Young People’s Team

Location: West Kent, Kent County Council

Pay Rate: Up to £38 per hour (DOE)

Purpose of the Job: We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join our Disabled Children and Young People’s Team in West Kent. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by supporting disabled children and young people aged 0-25, helping them and their families navigate the challenges of accessing support and personal assistance as they transition to adulthood.

In this role, you will work closely with children, young people, and their families to assess, plan, monitor, and review support needs, ensuring a person-centred approach that promotes independence and well-being. You will collaborate with other agencies and community resources to offer the best opportunities for equality, participation, and inclusion in society.

Key Responsibilities:

• Caseload Management: Manage a caseload of children and young people, assessing their needs and capabilities. Develop, monitor, and review individual care packages to meet those needs while working within budgetary and statutory requirements.
• Support Planning: Create and cost tailored support packages that help service users access the most appropriate services, including community resources, direct payments, and commissioned services. Ensure plans are in line with eligibility criteria, policies, and national legislation.
• Advocacy: Ensure the availability of advocacy services to empower service users in making decisions about their personal assistance arrangements, promoting self-determination.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management: Identify and manage safeguarding issues and concerns, escalating as appropriate. Take action in line with department policies and maintain high standards of care and safety.
• Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong relationships with Education, Health, and other professionals, contributing to Education, Health, and Care (EHCP) plans and other individual care plans.
• Resource Knowledge: Stay informed about available local community resources to enhance the decision-making process when creating care packages for service users.
• Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with service users, families, and other professionals, managing difficult situations and supporting the independence and well-being of children and young people.
• Legislative Knowledge: Keep up to date with relevant legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989, Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005) to ensure compliance and the delivery of high-quality services.

Key Requirements:

• HCPC registration as a Qualified Social Worker.
• Significant experience working with disabled children, young people, and their families.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Strong understanding of person-centred care planning and support provision.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment.
• Experience in safeguarding, risk management, and casework management.

Why Apply?

• Competitive pay rate of up to £38 per hour.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, impacting the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
• Professional development and opportunities for career progression.
• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support for children and young people in Kent.

Apply Now!

If you are passionate about supporting disabled children and young people and meet the qualifications above, we would love to hear from you! Apply now to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people in West Kent.