Main Purpose of the Job
To provide a social work service to children and their families within the service group
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Social Workers are expected to undertake responsibility for the following range of work:
Child protection.
Children being looked after by the Local Authority.
Children and the courts.
Work with children in need and their families.
All staff are expected to carry out their job in compliance with the Councils Constitution.
This means being familiar with the policies and procedures relevant to the job and asking
for information and advice if you are unsure of the correct course of action. The Council’s
Constitution is published on the Internet.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
List key personal duties in order of importance.
To manage a caseload determined by the Team Manager or Practice Manager
To undertake work alone and with others on complex child related cases.
To participate in a duty system, which might entail operating from another site.
To participate in regular supervision.
To participate in team meetings.
To keep case recordings accurate and up to date in a factual and informative style.
To ensure all financial transactions are fully written up and accounted for.
To work in accordance with the Council’s Equal Opportunities statement.
To work in collaboration with staff in other statutory and voluntary agencies.
To contribute to the development of the work of the Department (e.g. participation in
working parties).
To attend case conferences and represent the Department at formal meetings, courts, etc.
To keep abreast of childcare legislation and departmental policies and procedures.
To undertake other such relevant duties as required by the manager.
Social Work England qualification / registered with the Health and Care
Professions Council Up to date Disclosure and Barring Service check
Skills; Experience and Attitude
To undertake this position, you must be able to meet the registration criteria set down by the
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Experience of working with children and families.
Must have experience and understanding of child protection and statutory child care work. If newly-qualified you must have undertaken a relevant placement.
Knowledge of child development e.g. Physical and emotional development.
Knowledge of children’s legislation.
Understanding of the different patterns of family life.
An understanding of the need to make effective plans for children.
Ability to relate to children and their parents
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with service users, carers and other professionals.
Ability to work under pressure and manage stress.
Job Title: Social Worker
✓ Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.
✓ Ability to provide a service which is culturally sensitive and empowering for all service users.
✓ Ability to work as part of a team.
✓ Ability to exercise authority appropriately.
As a social worker, Kensington and Chelsea presents a unique and rewarding work environment. The borough is home to a diverse community and the demographic make up of our staff reflects this.
We are committed to promoting equality and celebrating the benefits of diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
The borough’s commitment to social care is reflected in its innovative approach to service delivery. For example, the Council has established a Bi-Borough partnership with neighbouring borough Westminster, which allows for the sharing of resources and expertise. The partnership has resulted in improved service delivery and better outcomes for vulnerable residents, which was recognised in our last ILACS inspection which found Kensington and Chelsea to be Outstanding in all judgement areas.
“Children in care and care leavers receive an outstanding service from workers who know them exceptionally well and are caring and ambitious for them. There is strong corporate support from the wider council to provide high-quality social work services for children, including significant financial investment so that the conditions are in place for excellent social work practice to flourish.”
Ofsted
Social workers in Kensington and Chelsea can look forward to a package that includes a competitive salary and child protection payment of £2,500 for social worker positions, membership of the Local Government pension scheme, Travel allowance scheme for zones 1 and 2, cycle scheme, reimbursement of Social Work England fees, generous annual leave plus bank holidays and discounts for many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. Employees also benefit from an extensive training package, with access to the West London Alliance essential training and to years 1 and 2 of Systemic Practice.
In addition, we offer an annual leave purchase scheme where you can purchase up to 5 days annual leave per annum at 90 per cent of the actual cost. The Council has a staff contributory private healthcare scheme, open to all staff and offers a Dental Insurance Plan.