Social Worker - Children and Families

Social Worker - Children's Services, Telford and Wrekin Council

Up to £33 per hour

Are you a dedicated and skilled Social Worker looking to make a real difference in the lives of children and families? Telford and Wrekin Council is seeking a passionate individual to join our dynamic Children’s Services team. If you are confident in your abilities, committed to best practice, and ready for a rewarding challenge, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Effectively manage a caseload of varying complexity, conducting thorough and insightful assessments and employing a range of appropriate intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of service users, their families, and their wider settings.
• Judgment & Decision Making: Demonstrate sound and effective judgment regarding risk assessment and accountability, making timely and informed decisions, particularly when positive change is not evident. You will also be adept at employing robust contingency planning to navigate complex situations effectively.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong, positive working relationships with children, young people, families, and a range of partner agencies. This collaborative approach will be essential in supporting informed decision-making and effective service planning.
• Collaboration: Work proactively in partnership with a diverse range of statutory, independent, and voluntary sector services. Your collaborative efforts will be key to developing and implementing comprehensive care plan objectives and achieving desired outcomes for service users.
• Evaluation & Reflection: Routinely evaluate the quality and impact of your social work practice. You will actively participate in reflective practice group meetings, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and promoting adherence to the Code of Ethics and regulatory standards.
• Continuing Professional Development: Maintain a strong awareness of contemporary issues within children’s social work, including relevant legislation and evidence-based practices. You will be encouraged and supported to pursue ongoing professional development to continuously deepen your skills and capabilities.
• Documentation: Ensure all information is recorded accurately, respectfully, and in a timely manner, adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations and the Telford and Wrekin Health and Safety policy.
• Legal Compliance: Work confidently within the scope of legal options to effectively support investigation and protection processes. You will also be involved in undertaking preventative work with families to reduce the need for care or accommodation, promoting early intervention strategies.

Major Tasks:

• Apply appropriate assessment frameworks and utilise strong information-gathering skills to inform robust and evidence-based decision-making.
• Select and critically review social work interventions based on their demonstrated effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes for service users.
• Proactively promote constructive and empowering relationships with children, young people, their families, and their wider communities.
• Liaise effectively with colleagues within the team and across external agencies to gather comprehensive information crucial for thorough assessment and effective care planning.
• Recognize and skillfully manage situations involving competing rights and differing needs, consistently applying the fundamental principles of human, civil rights, and equalities legislation to your daily practice.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Relevant and recognised social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW).
• Current and full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Proven and demonstrable experience of working as a Social Worker within children’s services.
• Strong assessment and intervention skills, with the ability to analyse complex situations.
• Ability to work both independently, demonstrating initiative and autonomy, and collaboratively as a valued member of a supportive team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly rate of up to £33 per hour.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of children and families in Telford and Wrekin.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment with experienced colleagues.
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional development and training.
• A commitment to your well-being and a positive work-life balance.
• The chance to work in a forward-thinking local authority that values its social work professionals.