Title: Managing Social Work Practitioner (Children with Disabilities Team)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £38,890-£42,821 Per Annum

Hours: 37

Location: Plough Lane, Hereford

Closing date: 30/10/2020

Interview Date: TBC within two weeks of the closing date

We are looking to recruit a forward-thinking and experienced qualified social worker to the position of Managing Social Work Practitioner within the Children with Disabilities Team. The Children with Disabilities Team (CWD) assesses the care needs of children, young people and their families/carers where a child has a significant and enduring disability and/or health needs. The CWD Team works with children under Section2 (CSDP Act 1970), children in need as well as children who are subject to child protection plans, who are looked after and who may be subject to court proceedings. The service ensures that young people’s needs are assessed and reviewed, bringing together the multi-agency teams around children and young people to plan and support their families to meet their needs. The service also identifies and manages the provision of short break services to young people and their families, where assessed as appropriate.

The Managing Social Work Practitioner will hold a small to moderate caseload while working alongside and with senior colleagues to guide the team to meet the diverse needs of children with disabilities and their families. The managing practitioner will have experience of working to statutory timescales and be instrumental in promoting a positve performance culture within the team as part of a broader drive within the local authority’s Children and Families Directorate. You will be driven and motivated to provide an outstanding service to children/young people and their families. It is preferable if you have some experience of supervising and mentoring colleagues or that you have demonstrable and transferable skills and experiences in this area.

The Managing Social Work Practitioner will deputise for the Team Manager during periods of absence and annual leave. They will also play a vital role in the development of project work and in guiding and promoting best practice in areas such as young adult’s transition, mental capacity assessments and deprivation of liberty and in the use of Signs of Safety Approach. You will have significant experience and/or knowledge in the practice of safeguarding children with disabilities. You will have detailed knowledge and understanding of all current legislation and guidance relating to children with disabilities as well as a good knowledge of the SEND code of practice.

You will be coming to a stable and established team who are passionate about outcomes for children with disabilities and who have been recognised by Ofsted as having many areas of good practice. You will be reliable and dependable team member and a strong team player.

Focusing on safe practice with a solution-focussed approach you will be working with partner services and agencies and will have considerable proven skills in this area. You will demonstrate an ability to contribute to a positive working environment, with empathy and support. In return we will provide you with regular supervision, the opportunity for progressive professional development and the chance to work with a team dedicated and committed to achieving best outcomes for children in Herefordshire.

The interview process will include a formal interview and written exercise or presentation.

We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme;

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; and

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.

Benefits with Herefordshire Council

Holidays: 25 days per year plus 2 days unpaid at Christmas (pro rata for part time)

Pension: LGS pension scheme

Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts. We also offer an employee assistance programme that means you will have access to confidential support and advice if you ever need it.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.