The Role

At Wandsworth, we believe that if we invest in new ways of thinking and working, you'll have everything you need to do the job you trained for. In turn, that means we're able to deliver the best possible support for children and young people.

We look for people with a 'can do' attitude, who are prepared to be accountable for achieving the best possible outcomes.

About the team

Our children’s services department is based in Wandsworth and has an excellent record for providing good outcomes for our vulnerable children through solid partnerships with targeted and universal services.

Our high expectations and high challenge of our social work staff is matched equally by very high support and supervision at all levels coupled with manageable and protected caseloads. We will also give you access to professional development, quality training including PQ training and we offer targeted placement support through a multi-disciplinary Placement Support Team including clinical psychology.

About the role

You will support a caseload of foster carers with children in placement in addition to recruiting and assessing potential applicants. This includes promoting the professional service for foster carers with the aim of achieving improved outcomes for children in line with National Minimum Standards and Guidance. This is a challenging and rewarding role and high-quality support and supervision is in place to support workers development. Experience of fostering work and CLA issues in fostering is essential.  

To be considered for interview your CV and personal statement will show the following:

• That you have a relevant social work qualification and Social Work England membership
• Have experience of working across voluntary and statutory agencies.
• You are an excellent communicator
• Are Confident in APIR and understand the needs of children and young people.
• Have applied knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.

All Social Worker applicants need to complete their ASYE Year to be eligible for these posts.  Wandsworth council runs a separate program for newly qualified Social Workers.

For informal discussions about the posts or for a visit to our Services, please contact Steve Pearson, Service Manager Children Looked After, on 020 8871 7250 or 07767674435

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Sunday 15th March 2020

Shortlisting Date: Monday 16th March 2020

Interview Date: Monday 24th March 2020

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

•  Social Worker & Senior Social Worker - Job Profile