We are seeking an Advanced Social Work Practitioner to join our superb Children in Care Team. When you work with us, you'll literally be working with the best practitioners and leaders in the field.
We are an Ofsted GOOD children’s services provider with OUTSTANDING leadership.
About us
Our Children in Care Service supports children and young people in care ensuring that there is robust planning and review in place, to support children and young people to reach their full potential. This specific team works predominantly with children already subject to a care order.
At Wakefield we’re creating the right organisational environment for good social workers to thrive. We’ve seen significant investment into our children’s services, including into staffing and resources. This is seeing a positive impact on our performance, quality of social work practice, and culture, as well as for our children and young people.
Our social work practice with children and families is so important. It can be both incredibly challenging and hugely rewarding. The responsibility of working with families where the decision you make and the power of your influence can shape and change lives, can be difficult. You will have access to excellent management to support you in your role.
How we will support you
Rated ‘Outstanding’ for leadership by Ofsted, our management team are approachable, supportive, and present. Regular supervision is in place, and we continually seek staff’s views and opinions.
We will support you in your practice and decision making so you never feel alone. Our culture of high support, high challenge provides our workforce with relevant training and learning to undertake great practice and creates spaces for them to learn from others and receive appropriate challenge to help ensure that the decisions they make are right ones for children and families.
We keep teams small so that staff can do their best work and feel genuinely supported in their roles. Because it's all about fostering a together culture at Wakefield.
Wakefield is proud to adopt a learning culture. We can boast as being an authority that “excels as a learning organisation” – as seen by Ofsted inspectors. Our in-house Learning Academy provide creative learning solutions to support learning and development. A dedicated Learning Academy website also means that wherever you are, you have access to a wealth of information, resources, and support for your role and situation. With our close connections to Research in Practice, and the Leeds and Wakefield Social Work Partnership too, we have a learning culture we’re truly proud of.
What will be expected from me?
You will play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people in the Wakefield District. You will be working with a small and well supported team led by engaging and supportive management, who are committed to making a difference to families within Wakefield.
What can I expect?
- Excellent Salary grade range (included within the job specification)
- This is a Full-time post of 37 hours per week with workplace base/flexible options available.
- Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays.
Essential requirements:
- BA or MA in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent, recognised by the Central Council for Education & Training in Social Work.
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Minimum of 3 years post qualifying experience in front line social work.
- Experience of working with children and families as a qualified Social Worker.
- An ability to build strong relationships with, colleagues and partner agencies.
- An ability to write high quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.
- Practice Educator Level 1 qualification or willingness to work towards the same
For further information about this role please contact