Job profile

We are seeking an Enhanced Social Worker to join our superb Children in Care Team. When you work with us, you'll literally be working with the best practitioners and leaders in the field.

We are an Ofsted GOOD children’s services provider with OUTSTANDING leadership.

About us

Our Children in Care Service supports children and young people in care ensuring that there is robust planning and review in place, to support children and young people to reach their full potential.

This specific team focusses on permanency planning for children and young people who are going through Court Proceedings. Where children may have a plan of adoption, this team is responsible for all care planning considerations right through to their permanence being achieved.

Our social work practice with children and families is so important. It can be both incredibly challenging and hugely rewarding. The responsibility of working with families where the decisions you make and the power of your influence can shape and change lives, can be difficult. You will have access to excellent management to support you in your role.

How we will support you

We will support you in your practice and decision making so that you never feel alone. Our culture of high support and high challenge provides our workforce with relevant training and learning to undertake great practice. We create spaces for them to learn from others and receive appropriate challenge, to help ensure that the decisions they make are the right ones for children and families.

What will be expected from me?

You will play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people in the Wakefield District. You will be working with a small and well supported team led by engaging and supportive management, who are committed to making a difference to families within Wakefield.

What can I expect?

• Excellent Salary grade range (included within the job specification)
• This is a Full-time post of 37 hours per week with workplace base/flexible options available.
• Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays.

Why Wakefield Council?

• Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient Social Workers need a good work/life balance, as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace. Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required, Support for Carers, a Sense of Belonging.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Essential requirements:

• BA or MA in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent, recognised by the Central Council for Education & Training in Social Work.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum of 3 years post qualifying experience in front line social work.
• Experience of working with children and families as a qualified Social Worker.
• An ability to build strong relationships with, colleagues and partner agencies.
• An ability to write high quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.
• Experience of attending Court and working cases in care proceedings.
• Practice Educator Level 1 qualification or willingness to work towards the same

For further information about this role please contact

vsmith@wakefield.gov.uk

ltissington@wakefield.gov.uk