Social Worker - Children Looked After

Some key information

• 30 days annual leave with the option to purchase additional leave
• Permanent position
• Hybrid working opportunities
• At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for children in Somerset.
  
  

What will I be doing?

Working within the Children Looked After (CLA) service, you will have the opportunity to support profound changes to a child's life, building long term relationships to promoting ambitious outcomes. Permanence is our passion for children in our care with a focus on connection/reconnection with families wherever possible. Working in the Mendip CLA Team you will have the opportunity to work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people as part of a multi-agency network; additional training and support will be provided to enable you to do this well.

We are looking for Social Workers who are passionate and enthusiastic to join us in improving outcomes for our most vulnerable young people. Extensive training and development opportunities are supported by weekly CPD, on-site Consultant Social Worker support and Advanced Social Work Practitioner (AP) Programme with role specialism. Somerset is a ‘Good’ Local Authority and we are striving to be Outstanding.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be passionate about relationship-based social work, proud of your profession, and able to reflect and think creatively about how you can build relationships to make a difference to children and families. You will need to be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England and have experience working with children and families in social work. We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We're supporting flexible working arrangements.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. Good technology is provided to help you stay connected to your team and manager through virtual meetings, team check-ins and service sessions.

We offer a friendly supportive learning culture with an approachable and experienced leadership team, as well as the below:

• Small supportive teams to progress your career
• Strengths and relationship-based approach to underpin your work
• Regular high-quality systemic supervision
• Trust in your professional autonomy
• CPD with a strong focus on systemic and relationship-based practice
• A kind, caring and supportive environment
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options
• Optional pension enhancement through our additional voluntary contribution scheme
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services to support a healthy work/life balance and lifestyle
• A flexible benefits platform including cycle to work and health screening schemes
• ‘My staff shop’ which offers excellent discounts at a variety of retailers including; cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers
• Gym discounts
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Generous relocation allowance
  
  

Anything else I should know?

Our Mendip hub is in the centre of Shepton Mallet, nestled in the Mendip Hills close to Glastonbury, Frome and Bath. We offer flexible hybrid working, combining time spent with the teams in the office along with home working. You will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.

Due to the importance of the role, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Depending on the level of response, we anticipate conducting interviews ahead of the closing date.

For an informal chat about roles within our team, please contact Louise Olsson ([email protected]) or Nancy Sullivan ([email protected])

Salary £36,124 to £40,476 per annum

DBS information

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.