Special Guardianship Order (SGO) & Connected Person Assessment Team

The Special Guardianship and Connected Person's Assessment Team (North & Mid) first started in April 2019 and due to its success, we are delighted to be expanding in creating a second team (South & West). The aim of the teams is to undertake robust, analytical assessments which focus on the trauma children suffered and how the proposed carer/special guardian can provide long term care. From speaking to Special Guardians, we know that it is essential for them to be fully prepared and informed in order for them to make the right decisions going forward. As a result, we provide SGO preparation training days regularly to ensure that we give people the opportunity to learn and ask questions.

Our goal is to become a Centre of Excellence, we have vacancies across both teams so recruiting across all quadrants, North, West, Mid & South. Come and share this journey with us!!

We are looking for a Senior Practitioner with:

* A recognised social work qualification i.e. Diploma, degree or masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
* Evidence of continuing professional development, aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
* Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
* Experience of mentoring both Social Work students and newly qualified and experienced Social Work staff, being a subject matter expert in professional social work practice.
* Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.
* Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives and offer a supportive framework for children, young people and families.
* In depth understanding of delivery of value for money interventions balanced against need.
* Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention.


If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this role, please contact Tel: 07719 624888 Team Manager SGO and Connected Persons Assessment Team (south and west)

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As part of employment with Essex County Council should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. For more information please use the following link: https://www.workingforessex.com/benefits/

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.