The role encompasses several key responsibilities aimed at enhancing service delivery and promoting best practices within the organizational framework. Firstly, it involves developing and maintaining practice expertise across all areas covered by the service’s remit. This includes actively contributing to policy development and fostering a culture of organizational learning and development. By staying abreast of current trends, research, and best practices, the incumbent ensures that the service remains effective and responsive to the needs of its stakeholders, while also facilitating continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.
Secondly, the role involves providing support to facilitate relationships between hospitals and social work teams. This support may take the form of offering advice, guidance, and practical assistance to both parties, aiming to streamline communication channels and ensure effective collaboration. By fostering strong partnerships between these entities, the incumbent helps to facilitate smoother transitions for individuals and families navigating the healthcare and social services systems.
Lastly, the role entails offering expert advice, guidance, and consultation on casework practice to other teams within the organization. This involves attending various meetings as required to provide support, ensure consistency, and promote best practices across different teams and departments. Through sharing expertise, providing mentorship, and facilitating knowledge exchange, the incumbent contributes to maintaining high standards of service delivery and promoting a unified approach to casework practice throughout the organization.
The ideal candidate for this role should possess a minimum of three years of post-qualification experience in children’s services, with a particular focus on safeguarding and child protection. Additionally, experience in court work and working with children involved in care proceedings is essential. They should demonstrate evidence of consistently high-quality practice, aligned with authoritative practice principles.
In terms of qualifications, candidates should hold a recognized Social Work Qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Alternatively, they may possess a professional qualification in probation or youth work, coupled with a minimum of two years’ experience in youth justice. Evidence of continued professional development is also required to ensure that the candidate stays abreast of the latest developments in the field.
The candidate should have a good understanding of relevant legislation, especially the 1989 and 2004 Children Acts, as well as current thinking and research into safeguarding practices and policies. They should possess the ability to influence and coach others, raising standards across practitioners. Moreover, a good knowledge of risk management and child development is crucial.
Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems, are necessary for effective data management and workflow. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to manage their workload effectively, balancing competing demands and meeting objectives and deadlines. Commitment to promoting equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice, as well as excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, is essential.
Lastly, the candidate should work collaboratively with other services and external partners to achieve successful outcomes, fostering constructive relationships both within and outside of the organization. They should also adhere to guidelines ensuring compliance with Health and Safety at Work, Data Protection, and other statutory requirements relevant to the role. Overall, the ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive skill set, extensive experience, and a commitment to delivering high-quality social work practice within a multi-agency context.
Haringey is a vibrant and diverse borough located in the northern part of Greater London. With a rich history, diverse population, and a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces, Haringey offers a unique and dynamic living experience.
Haringey Council has been through a journey of improvement over the past ten years, with continued aspirations to fulfil the first corporate priority of enabling every child the best start in life. We are looking for social workers that are ready for a fresh challenge, with the ability to make a real difference to the residents of Haringey.
We are investing in creating a better borough for all our residents and bettering the lives of children and young people in Haringey is our first corporate priority. With a population of approximately 250,000 people and a growing population of 0-19-year-olds, we are a diverse and fast-changing borough and tomorrow’s leaders; artists and innovators are busy growing up here.
Haringey is transforming its services for children and young people, and have already made exciting, innovative changes as we strive for excellence in all we do.
Our offer to staff includes:
Competitive remuneration packages
Investment in modern technology
Great Business support and experienced caring Team Managers
Haringey Academy – invests in continuous skills and learning development
Access to clinical support from Family Psychology Mutual, Anna Freud and Tavistock
Wellbeing service, leisure, and discount benefits (Council scheme)
Agile working
Travel Season ticket loans
A commitment to achieving excellence for our children
Strong, caring visible leadership
Remote and flexible working options
Local Authority pension