Please note this role is based in Colchester and is also open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs). The starting salary for NQSWs is £27,750 per annum and this will rise to £30,300 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme.

In ECC we are "Serious about Social Work". Having recently won the Best Social Work Employer of the Year Award 2018 and been awarded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted this is an exciting time to join us. As if that wasn't enough, Essex has also been announced as a Partner in Practice by the Department of Education, and the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) is the only Local Authority team in the country to be accredited by BASW as a CPD provider. We have invested in our workforce and created a positive environment for our social workers to make a difference and achieve change for our most vulnerable children and families through direct relationship-based social work practice. We have supported our staff to have an understanding of systemic theoretical framework and models underpinning our interventions; to have access to the right tools, equipment and resources; and also the right supervision, training and learning opportunities they need to be strong practitioners.

Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting the development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.

The Team

Social workers in Youth Offending Teams work to reduce offending by young people, working closely with family, schools and other relevant key agencies to address the factors leading to offending and representing the Youth Offending Service at relevant multiagency forums to secure better outcomes for young people.
With experience of working in with complex young people and their families' demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of all relevant legislation and a background in youth offending, social work, teaching, education welfare, health or policing.

The Role

• Manage a case load of young people in the community / custody presenting varied risk/vulnerability issues, demonstrating the highest standards of professional practice.
• Undertake comprehensive and high quality assessments of young people using Asset Plus and other approved YOS risk / other tools.
• Preparing and submitting high quality PSR, breach or other reports as required
• Develop, implement and evaluate programmes of intervention with young people and their families which directly address and are proportionate to the risk they present and their vulnerability.
• Undertake regular case reviews of risk and vulnerability as part of the YOS agreed framework, including maintenance of up to date and accurate case records.
• Be part of an office duty and youth court rota system and participate in external meetings / presentations as required e.g. magistrate's events, quadrant activity etc.
• Actively and positively participate in relevant training, professional development and supervision. (e.g. qualified social workers working towards advanced awards, practice educator).
• Participate in quality assurance processes when required /assist in reviewing key aspects of team performance and to lead on contributing to developing good practice within the staff team in line with Youth Offending Service policies, practice and service delivery agreements and nationally agreed targets.
• Travel is an integral part of the role. Therefore, a current, full UK driving licence and provision of a vehicle for work use or other effective transport arrangements are essential. There is a requirement to be flexible in working outside office hours (e.g. evening home visits or emergencies).

What you'll need to join our Social Work teams

• Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Registered Social Worker.
• Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
• Demonstrate an ability in the application of social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills and act with confidence in challenging social and family situations.
• A good working knowledge and ability to use information technology and related systems e.g. Word, social work case recording systems.
• Required to work flexibly as required, very occasionally including evenings and weekends.