Job title: Children’s Social Worker, Duty & Advice

Salary: PO1/PO3 £37,035 - £44,711

Employment type: Permanent

Hours: Various

Service: Children's social work

Social Worker £37,035 to £39,513

Senior Social Worker £41,511

to £44,711

We are looking to extend our professional and experienced social work team based in the centre of Leeds. We are part of a restorative multi-agency Front Door setting and are the first point of contact for our most vulnerable children and families, we currently have vacancies for social workers or senior social workers.

The successful candidate will be experienced in children’s social work, show passion and drive, and be able to ensure they work in partnership with other agencies to make safe well-informed decisions. They need to be able to ensure the child’s voice is heard in all decision making and that they incorporate Leeds Practice Principles in all their work. We are unable to take applications from newly qualified social workers.

The work environment is fast paced, and the successful candidate needs to be able to work under pressure whilst being clear in their role and responsibilities.   They will be supported and supervised by four, skilled and successful team managers. 

We can offer permanent contracts on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis to suitably qualified candidates and, we are open to flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.

We provide comprehensive support and training packages for social workers at all levels with clear career progression opportunities. Our established in-house management team offers continuous support, guidance and reflective supervision allowing you to grow and develop through your career.

We are proud to be part of Leeds children’s services, rated by Ofsted as outstanding, and to be an award-winning employer, recognised as best employer in the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2019.

We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. We aim to improve outcomes for all our children and want to close the gap facing children and young people from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a social worker you will hold an appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and must be registered with Social Work England on commencement in post.  

As a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker, in addition to your professional qualification and registration you will have completed the ASYE and be willing to work towards Practice Educator Level 1 or 2 as specified in the relevant job description.

All our social workers will bring to the role:

• experience in a social care setting with ability to assess needs, identify appropriate social work interventions, plan, prioritise and evaluate
• communication and collaboration skills to build productive working relationships in a multi-agency environment
• ability to engage individuals, families and carers and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions
• up-to-date knowledge of relevant trends, policies, regulation and safeguarding
• proactive use of supervision to reflect critically on practice, explore different approaches and understand the boundaries of professional accountability

Please refer to the relevant job description below for the requirements at each level.

About the role

As a social worker in Children and Families, you will be integral to a close-knit, supportive team which has your professional and personal wellbeing at heart. We offer an in-depth programme of continuing professional development alongside a robust supervision and appraisal framework.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words, specifying which role you are applying for.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please call the recruitment team on 0113 378 5165, who will be able to put you in touch with a relevant manager.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description - Social Worker PO1

Job Purpose: Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children, their families, and carers, in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines. To Develop relationships with children, young people, and families/carers so as to best provide a high-quality service, Honour commitments, and demonstrate accountability.   The work will be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This may include elements of co-working more challenging/complex casework.

The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures,  and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for a caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding children, their families, and carers.

• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. 

• Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.  Supervise students.

• Carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.  

• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child focused approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in line with procedures.

• Responsible for analysing information to support the on-going needs of users, their families, and carers.

• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in accordance with directorate procedures

• Use a safeguarding framework, to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.

• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 

• Maintain and update case notes and other records and write reports as required.

• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.

• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.

• Comply with relevant governance, policy, and procedures

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.

• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.

• Responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures.

• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.

• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.

• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi-agency meetings in line with procedures.

• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.

• Work to and within the prescribed knowledge and skill statement (Child & Family Social Work 2014)

• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.

• Carry out the role and responsibilities of key worker for a caseload which will include statutory work

• Undertake assessment, planning and reviewing of work concerning children in need, children subject to child protection plans and children who are looked after in care.

• Working restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers to achieve positive outcomes.

• Participate in arrangements to receive, screen, and respond to requests for service and referrals 

• Work with children and young people, families, and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning

• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders

• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families

• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.

• Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce the need for children to become looked after in care.

• Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.

• Carry out the Practice Educator Level 1 role

• Promote the right to advocacy to all children and young people on their caseload and offer full information on how to make complaints.

• Being available for young people to contact and respond to phone calls/call them back promptly.

• Make young people aware of whom they can contact outside office hours.

• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.

• Work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers, and other agencies.

• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade

• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills

• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.

• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.

• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.  The post holder should have achieved or commenced the Practice Educator Level 1 qualification after 2 years post qualification but within an agreed timescale starting in this post

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate. 
• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with users
• Able to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
• Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately, and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers, and colleagues
• Able to engage individuals, families, carers, and workers from other agencies
• Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change
• Able to devise and implement service and support plans
• Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach
• Able to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Able to make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
• Ability to chair routine or less complex meetings
• Able to work and engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.

Knowledge Required 

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)
• Registration with Social Work England
• Of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Of relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds
• Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families e.g., drugs, alcohol domestic violence
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email,
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation, and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families, and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Report Writing and Communications Skills
• Completion of NQSW programme or the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)

Experience Required 

• Of implementing a person centred/child focused approach
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems
• Of advocacy and user involvement.
• Of using initiative and a commitment to develop services
• Of use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
• Of producing records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
• Of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments
• Of using supervision effectively
• Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting
• Of devising, implementing, and reviewing support plans

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the council's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. 

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required 

• Possession of a full current driving licence

Knowledge Required

• Of the range of services available to Service users, families, and carers

Experience Required 

• Of working with a wide range of Service user groups

Job Description - Senior Social Worker PO3 

Job Purpose:  Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children, their families, and carers in accordance with the organisational needs, policy, and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines. Develop relationships with children, young people, and families/carers so as to best provide a high-quality service.  Honour commitments and demonstrate accountability.

This is an experienced Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support, and guidance to other team members. 

The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures,  and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding children, their families, and carers.

• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. 

• Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users. 

• Supervise students and develop the practice learning setting and provide guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.

• Carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.  

• Provide advice, support, and guidance on casework to less experienced team members

• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child focused approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in line with procedures.

• Responsible for analysing information to support the on-going needs of users, their families, and carers.

• Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.

• Use a safeguarding framework, to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.

• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 

• Maintain and update case notes and other records and write reports as required.

• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.

• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.

• Comply with relevant governance, policy, and procedures.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.

• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.

• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures.

• Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.

• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.

• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies, promote innovative ways of developing practice and contribute to the development of capacity within the community.

• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.

• Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.

• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi-agency meetings in line with procedures.

• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.

• Work to and within the prescribed knowledge and skill statement (Child & Family Social Work 2014)

• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.

• Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.

• Carry out the role and responsibilities of key worker for a caseload which will include complex and statutory work.

• Undertake assessment, planning and reviewing of work concerning children in need, children subject to child protection plans and children who are looked after in care.

• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers to achieve positive outcomes.

• Participate in arrangements to receive, screen, and respond to requests for service and referrals 

• Work with children and young people, families, and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.

• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders

• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families

• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.

• Undertake preventative work with families in order to reduce the need for children to become looked after in care.

• Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.

• Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager.

• Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.

• Promote the right to advocacy to all children and young people on their caseload and offer full information on how to make complaints.

• Be available for young people to contact and respond to phone calls/call them back promptly.

• Make young people aware of whom they can contact outside office hours.

• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.

• Work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers, and other agencies.  Supervision will be provided as a minimum on a monthly basis

• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade  

• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills

• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.

• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.

• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications: The post requires an appropriate professional qualification (DipSW, Degree, CQSW or equivalent).  You should be registered with Social Work England upon commencement of the post and maintain registration.  Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period. 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills required

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate. 
• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users
• Able to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers, and colleagues
• Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers, and other agencies
• Able to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
• Able to innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions
• Able to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans
• Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach
• Able to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary
• Able to be flexible, creative and use own initiative
• Able to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Able to chair multi-agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity
• Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff
• Able to lead and motivate staff
• Able engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.

Knowledge required

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)
  Registration with Social Work England
• Practice Educator Level 2
• Of recent relevant professional development
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email,
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation, and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families, and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment

Experience required

• Of working within a Social Care environment
• Of working in a multi-agency setting
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems
• Of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach
• Of supervising, supporting, encouraging, and advising qualified and non-qualified staff
• Of the use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
• Of producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
• Of managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy, and procedure
  Of the application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the council's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. 

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required 

• Possession of a full current driving licence

Knowledge Required

• Consolidation of learning for specialist practice

Experience Required

• Of working and reporting within a court environment