Social Worker - Children & Families Team

Join the dedicated team at Cheshire West and Chester Council as a Social Worker. This role is crucial in working with children, young people, and their families to improve their well-being and promote independence within the framework of legislation and council policies.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Assess the needs of children and young people who require social work services, including identifying risks and the need for protection.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver multi-agency plans to meet assessed needs and review these plans regularly.
• Engage with other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies to deliver services agreed upon after assessments.
• Manage an allocated workload within a team setting.
• Comply with statutory obligations and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the Integrated Children’s System (ICS).
• Prepare for and participate in professional supervision sessions and staff meetings.
• Contribute to the evaluation and development of services by sharing knowledge about theory, skills, and practice.
• Provide professional support to newly qualified and less experienced social work staff.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• CQSW/Dip SW or equivalent - Essential.
• PQ Child Care Award/BAAF Award - Essential.
• Experience in child care, particularly with looked after children.
• Experience in Child Protection & Court work
• Experience in assessing/supporting adopters/carers.
• Knowledge of legal frameworks such as the 1989 Children Act, Children Act 2004, and Adoption Regulations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively with service users and manage caseloads.
• SWE Registration - Essential.

Benefits:

• Up to 31 days leave per year with the option to purchase more
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme for secure retirement benefits at a low cost ad with a generous employer contribution.
• LGPS members can also access a tax-efficient retirement savings scheme on top of the main pension scheme Access to our employee benefits scheme, Working Rewards, which provides you with schemes for home, electronics, cycles, car leasing and holiday purchase through salary sacrifice - as well as a range of discounts on retail, travel and leisure
• Access to the Your Care wellbeing platform and 24/7 employee assistance programme
• Free DBS checks