Level Descriptor
In their first year of practice should understand the nature of their role and continually strive to develop their skills knowledge and values with support for their supervisor and others, Initial high levels of support and supervision should reflect increasing autonomy and confidence evident over time. Caseloads will be fewer and less complex during the ASYE period. Core social care capabilities should be embedded.
Purpose of the Job:
Manage a caseload of newly arrived unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who are Children in Care to the local authority. This will involve various levels of complexity and involve assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of appropriate action, contributing to the effective application of resources to safeguard and promote the welfare of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The postholder should be working in line with the Social Care Capability Framework (SCCF). The post holder must complete the ASYE standard within 2 years of qualifying.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Manage a caseload of newly arrived unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who are Children in Care to the local authority, which will include complex and diverse cases, involving assessments, reviews and the preparation of reports and court attendance, to effectively meet the needs of the client group, in line with the standards set out in the Social Care Capability Framework. The caseload will be managed within the relevant framework of supervision dependent on the complexity of the case and post qualification experience of the post holder.
Initiate and develop close working partnerships with statutory agencies, voluntary and private sector agencies, carers and those with parental responsibility in order to facilitate good outcomes for children and their families.
Complete effective and timely recording of accurate information using agreed systems.
Maintain a good working knowledge of legislation, local policies and procedures, particularly those relating to Looked After Children, Children in Need and Child Protection, acting in line with these to ensure consistency and a high quality of service delivery.
With training and support of Team Managers and more experienced social workers, complete Merton case law compliant age assessments in cases where significant concerns have been raised regarding the child’s claimed age.
- With training and support of Team Managers and more experienced social workers, prepare reports for and represent the County Council’s Reception and Safe Care Service as and when required in Court in accordance with the County Council’s procedures to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
- Attend training courses and other development opportunities as agreed with line manager to ensure compliance with Social Work England and SCCF requirements
Our procedures comply with DPA and your application will be processed and stored appropriately.
QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Social Work (Dip HE/Degree or Post Grad) and up to date registration with appropriate professional body ASYE must be completed if more the 2 years post qualified
EXPERIENCE Relevant experience to demonstrate the capabilities required. Use of systemic model of practice e.g. Signs of Safety SKILLS AND ABILITIES Good interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues. Ability to prioritise and to work effectively on own initiative as well as within a team Good report-writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly in writing Undertake high quality assessments and develop and review plans Ability to work within a court setting Computer literate
KNOWLEDGE Working knowledge of child development and demonstrate an ability to underpin practice with a theoretical base, including attachment theory and the needs of Looked After Children/Children in Need/children in the Child Protection system Working knowledge of legislation, policies, frameworks and regulations. Working knowledge of County procedures relating to Looked After Children/Children in Need/Child Protection Knowledge of family court proceedings Knowledge of factors relating to adults including mental health, domestic violence, substance misuse
Ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day
Pay: £25.00-£29.23 per hour
Work Location: In person
