3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Title: Social Work Assistant (SWA)
Job Purpose
To support Social Workers in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and young people through the delivery of high-quality support services. The post holder will assist in the assessment, planning, intervention, and monitoring of cases, ensuring that children and families receive appropriate support and that statutory responsibilities are fulfilled in line with legislation, policies, and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
Casework Support
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Manage an allocated caseload as directed by the Team Manager, Social Worker, or Senior Practitioner.
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Support the assessment, planning, and delivery of interventions for children, young people, and their families.
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Undertake direct work with children and families to promote positive outcomes and address identified needs.
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Assist in safeguarding activities and ensure the welfare of children remains paramount in all aspects of work.
Assessments and Interventions
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Gather, record, and analyse relevant information relating to children, young people, and families.
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Contribute to assessments, care planning, and review processes in accordance with statutory requirements.
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Support the implementation of intervention plans designed to improve outcomes for children and young people.
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Provide practical day-to-day support to children, young people, and families as required.
Partnership Working
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Work collaboratively with social workers, schools, health professionals, police, voluntary organisations, and other partner agencies.
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Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.
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Contribute to multi-agency meetings and case discussions where appropriate.
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Promote integrated working practices that support positive outcomes for children and families.
Case Recording and Report Writing
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Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive case records using management information systems.
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Prepare reports, assessments, and correspondence in line with statutory and organisational requirements.
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Ensure all records are evidence-based, clear, and compliant with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
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Communicate effectively through written, verbal, and electronic methods.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
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Support the identification and assessment of safeguarding concerns.
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Follow safeguarding procedures and escalate concerns appropriately.
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Contribute to child protection processes and maintain awareness of relevant legislation and guidance.
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Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people remain central to all decision-making.
Professional Development and Team Working
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Participate in supervision, training, and continuous professional development activities.
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Keep up to date with legislation, policies, procedures, and best practice within children's services.
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Attend team meetings, service reviews, and development sessions.
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Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
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Undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade of the post as required by management.
Experience
Essential
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Experience working with children, young people, and families in a social care, education, health, youth work, or community setting.
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Experience supporting vulnerable children and families.
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Experience maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
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Experience working effectively with a range of professionals and agencies.
Desirable
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Experience working within Children's Social Care services.
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Experience contributing to assessments and support plans.
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Experience working within a safeguarding environment.
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Experience of multi-agency partnership working.
Qualifications
Essential
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NVQ Level 3, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Health and Social Care, Children's Care, Youth Work, Education, Social Care, or a related field.
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GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics.
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Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Desirable
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Relevant qualification in Childcare, Family Support, Youth Work, Social Care, or a related discipline.
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Safeguarding Children training.
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Additional qualifications relating to child development, family support, or children's services.
Key Skills and Competencies
Knowledge
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Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
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Knowledge of children's social care services and relevant legislation.
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Understanding of the needs of vulnerable children, young people, and families.
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Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection, and information-sharing protocols.
Skills
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals.
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Effective assessment, observation, and analytical skills.
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Report writing and record-keeping skills.
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Good organisational and time-management abilities.
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Competent IT skills and experience using case management systems.
Competencies
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Child-centred approach.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Professionalism and integrity.
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Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
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Resilience and ability to work in challenging situations.
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Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Additional Information
Organisation: Birmingham Children's Trust
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DBS Requirement: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.
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Location: One Avenue Road, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 4DU, United Kingdom
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Pay Rate: £17.65 per hour (Limited/Umbrella)
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Hours: 36.5 hours per week
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Contract Type: Temporary/Agency (as applicable)
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Working Pattern: 36.5 hours per week, in accordance with service requirements
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Organisation: Birmingham Children's Trust
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Reporting To: Team Manager or Senior Practitioner
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DBS Requirement: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.
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We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
Closing date: 8th July– early applications are encouraged.
