Harrow is one of twenty-one Local Authorities that have participated in a project to embed social workers in secondary school settings. We have had social workers placed in six schools since November 2020 and are now looking to recruit to this team permanently. Funding has been extended by the DFE so that the work can continue in Harrow.
Feedback from schools, students and families has been really positive and we are looking forward to continuing working with them in the next academic year and continuing to make positive outcomes for young people and their families in Harrow. The team’s work featured on the BBC news the Read more Why social workers are being embedded in schools - BBC News - and watch the broadcast Why social workers are being embedded in schools - YouTube (2 mins in).
On Friday 18 March 2022, the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza visited Whitmore High School (one of the six schools taking part) and praised the work of social workers and the school on how well the project was going. She was also delighted to hear from students and teachers about their experience and how the project was benefitting them while also talking about ways in which the project can be enhanced to further benefit young people including mental health support.
If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, flexible and passionate about working with young people in a school setting, then this is an opportunity you can’t miss!
We encourage early applicants as we will consider earlier close and interview dates depending on applicants received.
What you will bring:
A proven track record, experience of working and managing a caseload of child in need, child protection and assessing complex children and young people’s needs in Children’s Services.
Social Work qualification Dip SW, BA (Hons) and/or Masters in Social Work.
Enthusiastic to work within a team and independently with a manageable caseload and a good level of opportunities for career progression and training.
Demonstrate an ability to build high quality relationship with children and families and across Children’s Services with internal and external partners.
Managing a caseload of children in need and child protection
Chairing professional meetings and managing plans
Conducting S47 risk assessments jointly with partner agencies
Presenting cases to child protection conferences
Completing Single Assessments within timescales
The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough, and home to over a quarter of a million people. As one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, Harrow is a great place to live, work and visit; in our borough, a range of cultures, religions and opinions come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community.
As part of Harrow Children’s Services, we want our colleagues to live our values. These values describe what we stand for and how we do things at Harrow whilst inspiring, challenging and guiding us towards the delivery of our organisational ambitions and goals. Our three values are: Be Courageous, Do It Together and Make It Happen These values will also help us to achieve our equalities vision of being a proud, fair & cohesive Harrow, a great place to live, work & visit.
Social Work in Harrow is about practicing statutory children’s social work, promoting quality, consistency, and effectiveness of social work practice to ensure that children’s outcomes are positive. In terms of learning and development opportunities it is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of Children’s Services core standards to facilitate best practice in line with UK legislation, statutory and government and local guidance, incorporate the voice of the child in all we do and having an Anti-Racism and Inclusion perspectives.
In addition to the above, we already have a unique development program:
a Management School
a comprehensive weekly workshop programme for social workers
Connected by Culture, a monthly workshop supporting our cultural competence and anti-racist practice.
We offer our social workers:
Competitive salary inclusive of Market Factor
The council offers a retention bonus of £3,000, which is paid after 3 years continuous service and a further £3,000 after a further 3 years of continuous service. This bonus is subject to conditions.
Up to 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) after more than 5 years’ service
An attractive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Relocation allowance up to £6,000 (subject to eligibility)
Development opportunities in key areas of specific lead roles, giving you the opportunity to learn new skills and to develop your practice
Access to our corporate health and wellbeing services offering free confidential advice on a wide range of issues
If you have any questions about applying for this role, or are interested in having an informal discussion about working in children's social care at Harrow, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk