Designated Social Worker - Grade PO1 - Wetherby

Social Worker, Social Care.docx PURPOSE OF THE JOB To deliver a number of positive outcomes to both young people and the establishment within which their duties are discharged. These will include: The YOI is fulfilling its statutory safeguarding duties effectively All young people who are, or have been in the past, looked after or cared for by the Local Authority are identified and supported to access statutory services to which they are entitled All young persons identified within the parameters of s. 17 (in custody or on release) are assessed as such and provided with appropriate services/support while in custody and in preparation for and during release. To employ a number of methods to achieve the above objective, including (but not limited to): Direct work with young people Management of (and, where necessary, introduction of) effective screening and needs identification processes Development and maintenance of effective links to Local Authority Children's Services and LSCBs - home and host Attendance at relevant meetings Assisting and advising Senior Prison Service Managers on Child Protection issues - encompassing both legal as well as practice issues. RESPONSIBILITIES To ensure that Wetherby YOI provides suitable care to looked after children and to a standard that meets and where appropriate exceeds the department's legal responsibilities. To ensure that all useful lessons and feedback are taken up into the Wetherby YOI's continuous improvement agenda. To contribute to quality assurance and performance management systems as required. To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Wetherby YOI Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures. To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's and Wetherby YOI Departmental Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner. To provide a high quality responsive service using all appropriate methods of social work intervention and of the prison service, developing strategic links with all service providers e.g. YOTs, Education, Police and Probation To provide such a service within the agreed policies and procedures of the Service and developing and maintaining partnerships between the local authority, Wetherby YOI and Home Local Authority in relation to the relevant young people in order to meet the identified needs of the young people in custody through to resettlement. To be supervised for professional purposes by the Team Manager. To assist Wetherby YOI in managing the Safeguards team's agenda To provide consultation and support to other staff at Wetherby YOI e.g. HMPS operational staff and local providers. To contribute to and assist in risk management strategy meetings/case conferences, young people support plans conducted through the suicide prevention strategy and contribute to the violence reduction and anti-bullying strategy's To conduct child protection enquiries and investigations with regards to complaints, allegations or referrals within Wetherby YOI. To be responsible for the maintenance of child protection records in accordance with the Children and Young People's Department and Wetherby YOI.To refer, where appropriate, to the Home Authority with regard to allegations of historical abuse and record outcomes To liaise and assist in managing risk with all agencies in relation to young people entering custody on full child protection measures e.g. risk to children measures To participate in a staff development and training programme which aims to enhance individual skills and create opportunities for professional development. To fulfil the Service's expectations in terms of record keeping and administration and compliment the Prison Service's standards/protocols. To establish and maintain close working relationships with those responsible for the provision of other related services. To participate in the Service's workload Management Scheme. To participate in staff/team meetings and activities as and when required. To promote the use of current best practice documents including the looked after children documentation. To promote the health and wellbeing/welfare of young people in custody by adhering to the legislationand guidance which particular relates to: Child protection Children in Need Looked After Children Children leaving Care. To liaise effectively with other teams, other departments and other agencies to promote services to children and young people. To keep abreast of new developments in policy, law and professional practice, making recommendations for implementing changes where appropriate. To work directly to the Team Manager who is also accountable to the Safeguards Manager at Wetherby YOI ensuring all work is agreed through the Safeguards Team in order to promote effective working partnerships within the establishment To assist with the formulation, implementation and review of care plans, child protect