**Position Summary:
The Senior Social Care Worker specializing in Children Services will be responsible for providing advanced social work services to children and their families. This role includes managing complex cases, supporting junior staff, and ensuring high standards of practice and compliance with statutory requirements. The ideal candidate will be a qualified social care professional with extensive experience in children's services, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
**Key Responsibilities:
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Case Management:
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Manage a caseload of complex and high-risk cases, providing expert social work intervention and support to children and families.
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Conduct thorough assessments, develop care plans, and coordinate service delivery to meet the needs of children and their families.
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Ensure all documentation and case records are maintained to a high standard and in compliance with statutory requirements.
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Supervision and Support:
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Provide regular supervision, guidance, and support to junior social workers and other team members.
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Mentor and coach staff to develop their skills and knowledge, promoting continuous professional development.
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Lead team meetings and case discussions, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
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Safeguarding:
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Take a lead role in safeguarding investigations and interventions, ensuring the protection of vulnerable children.
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Liaise with other professionals and agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to safeguarding concerns.
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Ensure that all safeguarding procedures and protocols are adhered to and that staff are fully aware of their responsibilities.
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Collaboration and Communication:
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Work collaboratively with other departments, agencies, and stakeholders to provide integrated and effective services.
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Advocate on behalf of children and families, ensuring their views and wishes are considered in all decision-making processes.
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Communicate effectively with children, families, and professionals, ensuring clear and timely information sharing.
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Policy and Practice Development:
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Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that improve service delivery in children's services.
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Stay informed of current research, best practices, and legislative changes in children's social care.
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Participate in and contribute to practice audits, reviews, and evaluations to enhance service quality.
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Continuous Improvement:
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Identify areas for service improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of improvement plans.
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Participate in training and development activities to maintain and enhance professional competence.
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Promote a culture of learning and development within the team and the wider organization.
**Qualifications:
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Education and Experience:
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Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
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Minimum of 5 years of experience in social work, with substantial experience in children's services and a senior or advanced practitioner role.
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Skills and Competencies:
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Strong leadership and management skills.
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In-depth knowledge of children's social care legislation, policies, and best practices.
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Excellent assessment, planning, and intervention skills.
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Effective communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
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Ability to manage complex cases and make sound decisions under pressure.
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Proficiency in using social care management systems and software.
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Certifications:
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Registered with the relevant professional body (e.g., HCPC, Social Work England).
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Additional certifications in areas such as safeguarding, child protection, or family intervention are advantageous.
**Working Conditions:
- Office-based with regular travel to client locations, community settings, and partner agencies.
- May require occasional evening or weekend work to meet the needs of children and families.
- Must be able to work flexibly and respond to emergencies as needed.
**Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to [Insert Contact Information].