Children's Advanced Social Worker - Front Door (MASH)
- Exeter
- Full Time
- £42,403 - £46,464 per annum
Make an impact where it matters the most – Children’s Social Work in Devon.
About Us
We're on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change. We're continuing to embed restorative practice and relational ways of working. We believe that for most families, the family home is the best place for children to live and thrive.
We're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for children and families in Devon. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture.
About the Role
Our Children’s Front Door Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is responsible for handling all safeguarding and child-protection inquiries throughout Devon. It provides a crucial part in promoting and protecting the safety and welfare of children throughout the county.
From a central hub located in Exeter, our dedicated and experienced team of professionals work in close collaboration with the police, healthcare, education and probation services to quickly gather and assess information when determining the best course of action in supporting families and meeting children’s needs. Through these vital agency partnerships, our Children’s Front Door service can promptly and efficiently identify potential risks and initiate timely, need specific interventions where appropriate.
Over the past 11 months our Children’s Front Door has undergone significant change resulting in the achievement of a progressive and stable workforce, operating at 90% permanent staff. Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of children and families by simplifying access to services, and strengthening collaboration with our partner agencies.
About You
As an Advanced Social Worker practitioner for our Children’s Front Door (MASH) you will work as part of a highly supportive team to creatively promote positive and sustainable long-term change. Through close collaboration with your Team Manager you will provide management overview, professional leadership and supervision to your colleagues. Alongside this you will Support the day-to-day operations of the team, helping to deliver an effective and efficient service to children and families in Devon. By taking a lead role with one of our partner agencies (Police, Health, or Education) you will be their direct link to the Children’s Front Door, facilitating seamless daily practice.
This is a fast-paced environment and so you will be confident in making decisions and adept at applying thresholds. Having a clear understanding of the processes used in supporting children and families effectively and promptly is essential. You will also Champion restorative practice whilst working to a high standard, in line with statutory guidance and have crucial previous experience of working in a Front Door setting
This role is being offered on a permanent basis. While a degree of remote working is possible, you will be expected to work in the office for three days a week.
Your skills and experience will include:
- A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
- A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
- Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
- Exceptional recording and planning skills
- A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
What we can offer you
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
- Up to £2,000 annual retention payment (£1,000 paid every six months)
- Generous annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Team Manager Alice Palmer - email: alice.palmer@devon.gov.uk or Team Manager Lisa Vince - email: lisa.vince@devon.gov.uk
Applications close on 20/10/2024 and shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates promptly.
Please note that interviews will take place throughout our recruitment campaign, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment as we may close the advert early.
For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
- This role requires a DBS disclosure
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice
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