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Senior Practitioner - Family Support & Protection Team

Employer
Essex County Council
Location
England, Essex, Basildon
Salary
Up to £237 per day + Umbrella
Closing date
16 Nov 2020

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Sector
Health and Social Care, Social Care
Job role
Social Worker
Contract Type
Interim
This position is based within the Family Support and Protection team at Ely House, Basildon. The team are looking for someone who is available to interview and start as soon as possible.

The Role
Ensure effective clinical supervision reflects best practice and incorporates research/evidence-based approach. Assess the needs and risks for children and identify actions appropriate to meet need and address risk.
Job Purpose
To hold and sustain a caseload consisting of the most sensitive, "complex and difficult" cases to which the post holder is able to bring to bear the highest standards of professional ability and a considerable depth of knowledge in relevant legislation in policy and practice methods. To provide a focus of specialist advice and professional consultation for Social Workers and contribute to the development of practice standards within the service.
Key Accountabilities
* To function as a flexible, influential and supportive practitioner within the requirements of ECC policies and procedures.
* Operates on a countywide basis across service areas and work in partnership with diverse range of external organisations.
* Indirectly accountable for provision of services and budgetary expenditure by recommending options leading to quality outcomes.
* Personal autonomy and responsibility for analysis, planning, execution and evaluation of complex cases.
* Accountable for own judgment and decisions in high-risk social work cases.
* Personal responsibility for the professional guidance issued to colleagues.
* Actively participate in practice research and determine the appropriate method of disseminating research findings for local, regional and national settings.
* To maintain an up to date record of activity on case files, produce reports, attend court and give verbal presentations as required. To participate actively in case discussions, legal case discussions, Child Protection conferences, Statutory Reviews, etc.
* Represent ECC in court proceedings as an "expert witness".
* Establish and maintain effective systems of quality assurance and quality controls for recording guidance issued and evaluating outcomes.
* Critically appraise the quality of own/others practice and challenge this within identified forums.
* To maintain a current and active interest and knowledge in such legislation and policy changes, research findings and practice developments, from a wide field, as are relevant to the post holders' clients group responsibilities including training and other professional development opportunities.
* To act as a source of expert advice and consultation for staff within schools, children and families, on professional issues relating to Child Protection situations (particularly Section 47 investigations) and assessments of risk to the child or young person affected.
* Ensure child protection plans are implemented and reviewed.
* Follow the Council's child protection procedures.
* Participating in and/or chairing team meetings and deputising for the Team Manager in the day-to-day running and supervision of the team when necessary.
* To bring about changes and to help colleagues work towards and manage change. This may involve the use of personal and professional skills in counselling and exploring feelings on an advanced as well as basic level.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade that may, from time to time, be required.
* To undertake occasional evening work and be available for very occasional weekend activities as required by the schools, children and families directorate.

Diploma in Social Work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
* HCPC Registration as a Registered Social Worker
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* IT/Word Processing Skills
* Evidence of recent practice at an experienced social worker level, supported by comprehensive working knowledge and experience within the field of practice in Children Services
* Preferably with experience of Child Protection work including section 47 investigations and assessments since the implementation of the Children's Act 1989.Considerable, recent experience of communicating with children of all ages and working in partnership with parents and/or carers.
* Experience in planning activities and programmes for children, young people and parents.
* Experience of Court work in relation to Child Care matters and have an understanding of the legal process.
* Detailed knowledge of current legislation pertinent to Child Protection (e.g. CA1989, CJA1991), Guidance and Regulations.
* Knowledge and understanding of child development, relating theory and practice.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider 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 the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) 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 go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

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.

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