Social Worker – Assessment Team (Children)

Job Category : Social Care & Health Qualified
Location : Luton Borough Council

Start Date : Immediate Start
Salary: £36 per hour

PURPOSE OF POST:

Receive and co-ordinate complex referrals, undertake the resulting assessments/devising care plans, arranging action and reviewing services for children and families, including influencing the direction of future services

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: %

1. Complete professional assessments of need and risk in respect of service users and 25% carers using the Department of Health and Luton Borough Council criteria for children in need and significant harm. Taking the lead role and responsibility, you co-ordinate the multi agency approach to prevent and address child protection issues and children in need.
2. Undertake statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and other legislation and 25% guidance relating to service users and carers e.g. care proceedings, arrangements for adoption/permanency, risk assessments and investigations in relation to the protection of children. Including arrangements for obtaining and carrying out Court Orders, attending court as the Council’s representative and providing instruction to legal counsel.
3. Plan professional intervention using the appropriate available resources ensuring 20% needs are met through negotiation and consultation with professional colleagues and service users. Promote anti discriminatory practice and the empowerment of service users.
4. Keep appropriate case records, statistics and information. Provide case reports 15% and witness statements for Court when required, accountable to the requirements of both internal/external agencies inline with Luton Borough Council Policies and Procedures.
5. Ensure that the needs of service users are regularly reviewed and changes in 10% circumstances and newly identified needs are addressed. This will necessitate organising and chairing multi agency meetings.
6. When necessary and subject to accreditation, carry out, when required the role of 5% practice teacher foe students on professional qualifying courses.

Specialist Knowledge

Substantial knowledge of legislation and statutory responsibilities relating to Children and Family Services, including appropriate Quality standards.

Knowledge and understanding of child development and issues of family dynamics.

Demonstrable understanding of service eligibility criteria concerning need and of risk of significant harm.

Education and Training

Dip SW, CQSW, or recognised equivalent professional qualification.

Other Requirements

Able to visit children and families in their
own homes (regularly)

Able to work outside normal office hours
(occasionally)