Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Contact, Advice, and Assessment Service (CAAS) Team. This vital frontline team plays a crucial role in assessing the needs of children, young people, and families to ensure they receive the appropriate level of support and intervention.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for referrals and inquiries, conducting initial screenings and assessments to determine appropriate responses.
- Provide professional advice and guidance to families, professionals, and partner agencies.
- Undertake robust risk assessments and make informed recommendations for intervention.
- Work in collaboration with multi-agency teams to ensure the best outcomes for children and families.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with statutory requirements and local authority policies.
- Attend strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and other relevant meetings as required.
- Ensure all decisions and actions are compliant with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice standards.
- Engage in reflective supervision and continuous professional development to maintain high standards of practice.
Essential Criteria:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work (e.g., BA Social Work, BSc Social Work, or Master's in Social Work).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Proven experience working with children and families in a statutory setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures, legislation, and guidance, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and other relevant frameworks.
- Excellent assessment, decision-making, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage workloads, and meet deadlines.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable but not essential).
Hybrid working - must be in the office 2 days a week
Candidate must have access to a VEHICLE due to rural location of the Local Authority and its the expectation on none office days that visits are still conducted.
Ideally the candidate will have experience of undertaking S.17 and S.47 enquiries/assessments.
Candidate will be part of a duty rota which is essentially 2 days in the office per week.
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
