Social Worker

Role Overview:This pivotal role involves managing and supervising a team of social workers responsible for safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that protect and promote the welfare of children. As Team Manager, you will ensure that all statutory requirements are met, provide strong leadership, and oversee casework in line with best practice and legal frameworks.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manager or senior practitioner looking to make a positive impact by ensuring robust safeguarding measures and leading a dynamic team dedicated to improving outcomes for children at risk of harm.Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership and Supervision: You will provide strong leadership and management to a team of social workers and support staff within the Safeguarding Team. This will include regular supervision, guidance, and mentoring, ensuring that social workers are well-supported in their roles and that cases are managed effectively and efficiently.Case Oversight and Decision-Making: You will have oversight of all casework within the team, making key decisions regarding complex and high-risk cases, and ensuring that interventions are in line with statutory requirements and best practice. You will ensure that thresholds for child protection and statutory intervention are consistently applied and appropriate.Performance Management: You will be responsible for monitoring team performance, ensuring that statutory timescales are adhered to, and that the quality of assessments, care plans, and reports meet the required standards. You will address any performance issues, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development within the team.Safeguarding and Risk Management: You will ensure that safeguarding processes are rigorously applied, with a focus on preventing harm and reducing risks for vulnerable children. You will oversee child protection conferences, strategy discussions, and care proceedings, ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to protect children.You will work closely with partner agencies, such as the police, health services, education, and legal teams, to ensure effective multi-agency working. You will represent the Safeguarding Team at multi-agency meetings, including child protection conferences and court proceedings, and ensure that communication and joint working are seamless.Continuous Improvement and Best Practice: You will promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team, encouraging reflective practice and keeping up-to-date with developments in social work practice and safeguarding legislation. You will be responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to the latest safeguarding policies and procedures and that all work is evidence-based and informed by current research.Staff Development and Wellbeing: You will play a key role in supporting the professional development of your team, ensuring they have access to training, supervision, and opportunities for career progression. You will also focus on staff wellbeing, ensuring that workloads are manageable and that staff feel supported in what can be a challenging role.Quality Assurance: You will contribute to the development of quality assurance processes, conducting case audits, and ensuring that all work within the team is compliant with internal and external standards. You will ensure that learning from case reviews and audits is shared with the team and applied to improve practice.Budget and Resource Management: You will manage the team’s resources effectively, ensuring that services are delivered within budget and that resources are allocated appropriately based on need and risk.Person Specification:Qualifications:A recognised social work qualification (e.g., Degree or Master’s in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work)Current Social Work England registrationEvidence of continued professional development, including management training (desirable)Experience:Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including experience in a safeguarding or child protection roleProven management or supervisory experience within a social work teamExperience of managing complex and high-risk cases, including court work and care proceedingsSkills and Knowledge:A thorough understanding of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures, including the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard ChildrenStrong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a teamExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience of writing complex reports and presenting evidence in courtStrong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk and make sound judgements in complex casesExcellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage a varied and high-pressure workloadWhat We Offer:Competitive salary packageComprehensive training and development opportunitiesSupportive team environment with a focus on professional growthAccess to professional supervision and mentoringOpportunities to shape service delivery and contribute to continuous improvement #J-18808-Ljbffr