Please note that this opportunity is being offered as a Fixed Term Contract for a period of 18 months.

The Role

Deliver a lead role in supporting and overseeing the development of Solution Focused practice within D-BIT teams and across other teams in ECC that are linked with our Solution Focussed training and development programme. You will also be actively involved in applying Solution Focused practice in your work with families.

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 in collaboration with referring social workers.

Job Purpose

To provide training as well as a focus of specialist advice in Solution Focused practice and professional consultation for Social Workers and contribute to the development of practice standards within the service and the wider organisation. To continue to work with families and bring to bear the highest standards of professional ability and a considerable depth of knowledge and skill in Solution Focused practice, as well as in relevant legislation in policy and practice methods.

Key Accountabilities

• To function as a flexible, influential and supportive practitioner within the requirements of ECC policies and procedures.
• To support and oversee the training and development of practitioners' Solution Focused practice, identify areas for development based on direct observation and audit of written work and plan training to address patterns of need.
• To engage in providing Solution Focused training to professionals in DBIT, to the wider organisation via ESCA offer and to external partners (i.e. Partners in Practice training offer)
• Based in Mid team but 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" as appropriate
• 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 Children & Families, on professional issues relating to edge of care work and assessments of risk to the child or young person affected.
• Contribute to the implementation and review of child plans (CIN, CP, care and pathway plans etc).
• 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 Solution Focused coaching, 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 work flexibly including evening work and be available for occasional weekend activities as required by DBIT service

Skills, knowledge and Experience

• Diploma in Social Work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
• Social Work England registration as a registered Social Worker
• Diploma level training in Solution Focused and to be able to demonstrate experience in practicing using SF, and supporting the development of others in the application of SF approach
• PQ1.
• Advanced Award in Social Work (AASW).
• IT/Word Processing Skills.
• Evidence of recent practice at a senior practitioner/team manager or equivalent level, supported by comprehensive working knowledge and experience of front line exposure to a wide ranging field of practice in Children Services.
• Experience in planning activities and programmes for children, young people and parents.
• 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.

This role with the D-BIT Service will require staff to work a basic week (Mon - Fri) but also to be able to work flexibly, which will include some evenings and occasional weekend activity.

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.