Senior Social Worker

Location: Gloucester
Salary: £42,648 – £50,428 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Social Worker to join the Permanence Team in Gloucester. The Permanence Team plays a crucial role in securing stable, long-term placements for children in care, ensuring that their emotional, social, and developmental needs are met. As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for managing complex cases, leading assessments, and providing expert guidance to the team, ultimately ensuring that children achieve permanence in their lives.

In this pivotal role, you will work collaboratively with children, families, and a range of multi-agency partners to assess needs, develop robust plans, and advocate for the best outcomes for children. Your expertise in permanence planning, including adoption and special guardianship, will be vital in promoting the best interests of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of complex cases involving children in care, conducting thorough assessments to identify and meet their individual needs.
• Lead and oversee the development of care plans, ensuring that they align with statutory requirements and best practices for achieving permanence.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners, including health, education, and voluntary services, to provide coordinated support and secure effective outcomes for children and families.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to social workers and other professionals within the team, promoting best practices in permanence planning and case management.
• Conduct regular supervision and reflective practice sessions for less experienced social workers, enhancing their skills and confidence in managing complex cases.
• Ensure high standards of record-keeping and documentation, maintaining accurate case records in line with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, case conferences, and legal proceedings, advocating for the rights and welfare of children throughout the process.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of practice within the team, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance service delivery.
• Support the Team Manager in performance monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with service standards and targets.
• Stay informed about changes in legislation, policy, and best practice related to permanence planning, sharing knowledge with the team to promote continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) from a UK university.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualification experience working within children’s services, with a focus on permanence planning, adoption, and child protection.
• Proven experience in managing complex cases and developing effective interventions to achieve permanence for children in care.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Adoption and Children Act 2002, and the Care Planning Regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals from various disciplines.
• Experience in providing supervision and support to social workers, fostering a culture of reflective practice and professional development.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk and ensure timely and appropriate interventions.
• A commitment to promoting the welfare of children and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Role – Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families by providing high-quality support and guidance in achieving permanence.
• Professional Development – Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to further your career and enhance your skills in social work.
• Collaborative Environment – Work within a supportive team that values collaboration and the sharing of expertise among professionals.
• Competitive Benefits – Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to a pension scheme.

Application Process:
If you are an experienced social worker with a passion for achieving positive outcomes for children in care and their families, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity within the Permanence Team.

Please note, this job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client. If you apply, Sanctuary Personnel will receive your details and be in touch to progress your application.