Waltham Forest Children’s Services are committed to making a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families. We embrace the Families at the Heart of our Place strategy, are on the right track and have big ambitions for the future - join us and realise yours.
Promoting creativity is at the heart of our agenda in developing our social work practice. These values and visions are continued aims and can be visibly seen in innovative developments across the Borough. You will be encouraged to share ideas, bring about positive change, and strive to continuously improve outcomes for our vulnerable children.
We are looking to permanently recruit full-time Child Protection Co-ordinators with responsibility for chairing child protection conferences. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and confident social work manager, child protection chair or independent reviewing officer who has a track record of delivering excellent services for children and families.
You will join a small team of Child Protection Co-ordinators who are supportive of one another and committed to providing the best service for the children and families in Waltham Forest. You will benefit from an extensive training offer, regular reflective supervision, and a retention bonus.
The recruitment process will comprise of a written exercise, a formal interview, and a panel interview with young people.
The timeline for recruitment to this post is as follows:
Interviews: week commencing 10th July 2023
If you require any further information or wish to discuss the role, please contact Stacey Burdsey, Quality Assurance Practice Manager on Stacey.Burdsey@walthamforest.gov.uk
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build relationships with families, staff at all levels, other departments, and agencies. Ability to deal with people at all levels confidently, sensitively, and diplomatically.
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Good knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations, current developments in research related to safeguarding, child protection, looked after children and children in need.
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Substantial frontline experience of complex children and families social work |
Experience of managing and supervising complex children and families social work
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Experience of writing complex children and families assessments and care plans
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Experience of presenting of information and reports to senior leadership team
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Ability to chair complex multi-agency meetings
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Ability to develop and deliver training programmes
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Ability to evaluate information from a variety of sources and make clear, evidence-based decisions
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Ability to write reports and policy documents related to safeguarding and child protection.
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Ability to manage competing demands and work independently
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Basic use of Information Technology
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Indicative Qualifications |
Registration with Social Work England |
CQSW, DIPSW, CSS |
Accreditation as Social Work Practice Educator or Assessor |
Use of relevant in-service or post qualification training, particularly safeguarding and Information Technology courses |
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