The West Sussex County Council is currently seeking experienced Social Workers to join the county’s children’s services, Children We Care For. Social Workers who wish to take up a new rewarding, exciting and impactful role are welcome to apply.
At West Sussex County Council, the ambition is high for both children and the workforce. The council is committed to improving services for the children and families it supports in West Sussex. New hires will join at a key time on the council’s improvement journey. The ongoing work includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward the ‘Children First’ improvement plan, and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. New hires will be trained in motivational interviewing to support the strengths-based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.
The council acknowledges the work that still needs to be done and the challenges ahead but remains confident in its approach and excited about the changes occurring. Therefore, it seeks professionals who are eager to be part of the positive change happening for children. Joining this ambitious improvement plan will allow new hires to make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.
Position: Social Worker
Salary: £42,003 – £54,533 per annum (market supplements included)
Job Type: Full Time
Location: UK
About the Role
West Sussex County Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join their children’s services Children We Care For team based in Bognor Regis. The successful candidate will be excited to be part of a team achieving positive outcomes for children and young people across West Sussex.
The county’s dedicated Children We Care For service have a passion for making a difference to our looked after children, alongside an interest and experience of the adoption process. Working with children remaining in long term care where it is not safe for them to return home, children who may be placed for adoption and children leaving care. With a focus on outcomes-based care planning for children, including access to an in-house therapeutic assessment and intervention team, you will enjoy working with young children and/or teenagers to support them to achieve and plan to build their lives as young adults ready to leave care and live independently.
The council offers 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.
Main Duties
- As an experienced Social Worker within the Children We Care For team, you will be working to deliver first class support to vulnerable children and young people.
- You will be able to build positive working relationships with children and young people, professionals, partner agencies and carers as well as respectfully challenge when appropriate.
- You will have an excellent understanding of the statutory requirements relating to children looked after and keeping children safe.
- You will be expected to demonstrate relevant theoretical Social Work concepts, practices and detailed organisational knowledge relating to the provision of a professional Social Work service dealing with complex issues.
- You will be expected to confidently chair a range of meetings. There is a regular and intrinsic requirement to communicate in English with members of the public.
Qualifications
Some of the key skills and experience required for this role include:
- Analysis and interpretation of complex information and data to enable prioritisation and support in planning next steps.
- Work as part of a team and partnership with key stakeholders to assess needs and implement outcomes.
- Communicate effectively to all audiences, both written and orally and negotiated and persuade where necessary.
- 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.
- Completed relevant post qualifying training, have evidence of at least one year’s experience post qualification and be registered with the relevant professional 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 managing levels of risk within a caseload of complex cases.
- You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement of between 25 and 31 days, depending on job title and length of service
- A range of flexible working options
- Maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave
- Volunteering opportunities
- Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
Required Documents
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
Application Process
Interested and qualified individuals should kindly CLICK HERE to learn more about the role and to apply
Application Deadline
June 26, 2024