Waltham Forest’s People's Directorate, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability service 0-25yrs) has big ambitions for the future – and is a place where you can realise yours.
We are currently looking to recruit 3 x permanent SEND social workers (2 for Children’s and 1 for Adults).
If you are a dedicated and creative experienced Social Worker looking to make your mark, develop your career and improve the lives of children, young adults and their families, our forward-thinking Strategic People’s Directorate should be your next career destination. Join us and share your experiences working with children and young adults from 0-25y. We are a supportive, challenging and inspirational team, striving towards the shared purpose of achieving independence, choice and the best possible results for those we care for and support. Join us and you will help us to become a centre of excellence and best practice, building on the strong foundations we established. In return for your hard work, we will provide you with a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and the time and active support you need to make a real difference. Promoting creativity is at the heart of our agenda to develop Social Work, and means you will be encouraged to share ideas, bring about positive change and strive to continuously improve outcomes for our vulnerable children and young adults.
We would like applications from qualified and experienced candidates, who have worked with children and young adults and have experiences of implementing the SEND Reforms/Children and Families Act in practice.
· Proven social work experience in a Children & Families or Adults Social Care setting/ minimum of one year’s post qualifying experience.
· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of issues relating to children with disabilities or adults with learning difficulties including relevant legislation, guidance & procedures.
· Experience of service delivery which is culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of a multi-cultural community.
· Ability to work as a team member.
· Ability to work under regular supervision from a line manager.
· Ability to work effectively under pressure.
· Ability to prioritise work.
· Ability to ensure Performance Indicators relating to service areas are met.
· Ability to participate in change effectively.
· Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing and to follow through on required actions.
· Commitment to the participation of children, young people, young adults and their families both at an individual and service level.
· Able to work flexible or unsocial hours at short notice.
· Detailed working knowledge of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, Children and Families Act 2014, Care Act 2014, Mental Health Capacity Act 2005 and any other relevant legislation, procedures and guidance relating to children, families and young adults.
· Awareness of current issues in disabilities and complex / special needs.
· Good ICT skills – both standard Microsoft applications and social care record and data systems.
· Commitment to the Council’s equal opportunities policy and acceptance of their responsibility for its practical application.
We know what social work is WORTH! Make the difference to the lives of children and families in Waltham Forest!
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, our borough is a fantastic place where people want to live, work and play.
9 out of 10 staff in our social care teams enjoy our strong learning culture, which focuses on new and emerging trends
We invest in your development to help you find your niche, specialising in areas underpinned by a clear strengths-based approach
Inspiring leadership and ambition rated Outstanding
Diverse and inclusive teams who improve lives and make a real difference – a safe and inclusive environment, with active employee-led networks and initiatives
A brand-new Town Hall HQ at Fellowship Square, with innovative and flexible workspace
As a borough which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we believe that it is important for you to hear from a cross-section of staff working within Waltham Forest. Watch a selection of our staff case studies below.
We offer our staff:
A rewarding role in an Ofsted rated GOOD children’s services department
Stable leadership rated by Ofsted as OUTSTANDING
New Social Work Academy
Strong Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offer including Virtual Reality (VR) training
Competitive salaries and retention bonuses
A range of health & Wellbeing initiatives and vibrant staff-led networks such as our Race Equality Network
Flexible working options
Manageable caseloads
Travel season ticket loan, cycle scheme, Local Authority pension
If you are interested in having an informal discussion about working in children's social care at Waltham Forest please contact:
Rongful Begum, Head of Safeguarding at Rongful.Begum@walthamforest.gov.uk
Kobus Grobbelaar, Head of Corporate Parenting Kobus.Grobbelaar@walthamforest.gov.uk
Roberta Onyekwelu, Head of Placements & Resources Roberta.OnyeKwelu@walthamforest.gov.uk