Social Worker

Social Worker Contract Type: Permanent Contract Hours : 37 hrs Salary: H1/H2 £30,507 – £37,849 per annum Closing date: 25th March, 00:00 SALARY MATCH: Candidates who are recruited from the same or similar role may be eligible for a salary match within the above salary banding. Innovation and initiatives to improve children’s lives are at the forefront of everything Blackpool Council does. We listen to children, respect their views and champion their rights. Our vision is entirely dictated by what our children and families want – to be happy, safe and healthy, living in a town they feel supported and listened to. We are investing in a number of posts across Children’s Social Care to reduce caseloads and increase management oversight – enabling us to support children and families to improve their outcomes and future. A three-month Commissioner review following an Ofsted inspection has concluded. In a report to the Secretary of State, the Commissioner said that moving to a Trust or any other delivery model would not give any additional impetus or result in any greater effectiveness than the improvement work already put in place by the Council. The Secretary of State has accepted that recommendation. “Blackpool has many strengths not least of which are an able and committed staff group who are well engaged, an open learning culture, and leaders who are committed to improving outcomes for children in the town.” – Helen Lincoln, Commissioner for the DfE. Our promise to employees We’re focused on safeguarding children and improving their outcomes but don’t forget our employees. We offer: Dedicated induction programme for all new employees Manageable caseloads in small teams, with clear line management mentoring support Dedicated time for quality reflective supervision and to learn from regular quality audits Lower caseload, allowing you to focus on undertaking high quality work with children and their families Structured career paths, starting from family support roles, the social worker assessed and supported year in employment, all the way up to the role of head of service, so there is no journey too big or too small Excellent learning and development opportunities, with bespoke training for every role across Children’s Services Easy and regular access to the leadership team and principal social worker Employee benefits We recognise our employees and like to offer some great rewards: Ongoing development and opportunities to move up in your career Pioneering new ways of working – help to shape and influence practise within the workforce Flexible working patterns and generous annual leave Relocation package of up to £8000 Local government pension scheme HCPC registration fee paid Supportive management team and diverse caseload Discounted gym membership and more We want the best people, with the biggest ambitions. Nowhere else will you gain as much experience on the job, making us a sought-after place to work. If you are passionate, dedicated to making a change and ready for a challenge – you could be the candidate we are looking for. With excellent transport links between Blackpool and major cities, a growing housing market and a developing economy, there’s never been a better time to work in Blackpool. With a direct route along the M55/M6 your journey could be less than you think, along with Blackpool North rail station and secure, modern parking directly opposite our town centre offices, commuting is straightforward (no need to park and ride). Charlie, aged 12, from Blackpool: “Everybody knows Blackpool. Seaside town up North, with rollercoasters, a Tower, three piers and an award winning theme park – the UK’s No.1 holiday destination But it’s not just a town for visitors. Some of us live here, we’ve grown up here and we’re in school here and things can be tough at times. Some of us young people care about our town and want to be part of making Blackpool a better place to grow up, live, work and thrive in. That’s where you come in Are you the kind of person that loves a challenge? Are you passionate about social justice and wanting to make a difference to the lives of all of us young people? There are lots of reasons why working in Blackpool is great. Mainly, because you get to work with the best young people in the country We genuinely have a voice in Blackpool – we were asked to be involved in this advert for example, and we’re involved in lots of other stuff, so you’ll probably get to meet us at your interview too.” Take the next step in your career Now is the time to take the next step towards your dream job in a great location. Apply for jobs and find out about everything Blackpool has to offer as a place to live and work at: www.nextstepblackpool.com Social Work roles are available in the following teams: (Please title your Support Information with the Team you wish to apply for) Assessment and Support We are recruiting additional staff to our Assessment and Support Team. As a Social Worker within the team you would be responsible for providing a quality service to our children in need of support and protection. The team completes Child and Family Assessments, Section 47 enquiries and initial care applications where required. As a Social Worker within the team you will be supported to provide the very best service for children with a reduced case load. Quality reflective supervision is provided by both Team Managers and Senior Social Workers and there is a strong learning culture within the team. We welcome Social Workers who are experienced but equally those embarking on a Social Work career. For further information or an informal discussion please contact the AST Service Manager on 01253 478082 Supporting and Strengthening Families As a social worker in Supporting and Strengthening Families teams you will have a keen interest in those children in need of help and protection. You will have the opportunity to work with those children subject to child protection procedures, complex child in need, PLO/Pre Proceedings and on the Edge of Care. You will have the opportunity to work intensively with families utilising a strength based approach to practice that is creative and innovative and enables families to develop resilience and sustainability. You will strive to improve outcomes and the lived experience of our children. The quality of practice will be supported by regular supervision, excellent training opportunities and tools and resources readily available to assist in your day to day work. Blackpool wants social workers who are passionate, committed and who want to do the best they can. In return there will be an investment in you to develop and there are a number of opportunities for progression when the time is right. For further information please contact Heidi Baron/Toni Harrison on 01253 47 7416 AWAKEN – Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Service Awaken is a multi-agency Child Exploitation service led by Children’s Social Care, Police and Health working together to tackle Child Criminal Exploitation and Child Sexual Exploitation. We are recruiting an additional Social Worker to our Awaken Team. As a Social Worker within the team you would be responsible for providing a quality service to our children in need of support and protection. The team completes Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries. As a Social Worker within the team you will be supported to provide the very best service for children with a reduced case load. Quality reflective supervision is provided by the Team Manager and there is a strong learning culture within the team. We welcome Social Workers who are experienced but equally those embarking on a Social Work career. For further information please contact Rob Barlow on 01253 477043 Supporting Our Children As a social worker within the Supporting Our Children teams you will have a keen interest in working with those children who may need to be cared for by the Local authority. This will involve undertaking court proceedings to secure the right order for our children and plans of permanence using a range of orders to include SGO, Adoption and Full care order. In addition you will be reviewing plans to ensure those children for whom discharge of care order is appropriate and SGO’s possible. You will have a passion for those children within our care and be passionate about establishing longer term relationships as their corporate parent. For further information please contact Julie McClements on 01253 47 7441 Closing date: 25th March Interview date: w/c 30th March Please email Julie.mcclementsblackpool.gov.uk if the interview date is not suitable as alternative dates will be considered Click here to view the Job Description. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory two year reference history, Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, medical clearance, evidence of any essential qualifications and proof of legal working in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. For further information on the health and wellbeing support on offer during your employment, please see here. Have you got what it takes to ride the Roller Coaster ride of Social Work in Blackpool? for further information on the career path and development opportunities available at Blackpool please see here. To apply for this role, click "Apply"