Job Description
Join Bexley Children’s Services as a dedicated Social Worker in the Referral & Assessment Team. The primary focus of this role is to assess referrals from the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) to ensure vulnerable children and young people receive the protection and support they need. This role requires the ability to assess the level of risk, determine the appropriate social care response, and facilitate the transition to longer-term services or other necessary interventions.
You will play a crucial role in protecting children by making swift and informed decisions based on your assessments and using the Signs of Safety practice model, ensuring that the voice of the child remains central to all interventions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assessment & Risk Management:
Assess the level of risk and need for children referred to social care, and determine the appropriate response, which may involve quick resolution, diversion, prevention services, or ongoing social care. - Child-Centered Practice:
Conduct regular visits to children and young people, building rapport and ensuring their wishes and feelings are understood and form the basis for interventions. - Signs of Safety Model:
Apply the Signs of Safety framework to assess risks, identify strengths, and explore next steps in improving the safety and wellbeing of children and families. - Complex Case Management:
Work with families in diverse and complex contexts, including mental ill health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, poverty, and other social factors, ensuring holistic support for each child. - Collaborative Working:
Collaborate with the family network, other agencies, and professionals to provide the best possible care for children and young people. - Case Coordination:
Coordinate and implement care plans, ensuring that they address identified safety and welfare needs, with regular reviews and updates to plans as circumstances change. - Legal & Safeguarding Protocols:
Make informed decisions regarding the need for legal action when necessary, and ensure adherence to safeguarding policies, statutory guidance, and legal frameworks. - Documentation & Reporting:
Maintain accurate, up-to-date records and case notes, documenting assessments, case developments, and interventions, to ensure that planning for children’s welfare is relevant and timely. - Supervision & Professional Development:
Participate in regular supervision sessions with your line manager, reflecting on practice and identifying areas for growth and improvement. - Continuous Improvement:
Contribute to service improvement initiatives and work collaboratively to enhance the delivery of children’s social care services.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience & Qualification:
- Recognized social work qualification (e.g., BA or MA in Social Work)
- HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration
- Experience working in children’s social care (preferably within Referral and Assessment teams).
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the Signs of Safety practice model
- Strong understanding of child protection, safeguarding procedures, and relevant statutory frameworks
- Ability to work with children and families in challenging and complex situations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with families and multi-disciplinary teams
- Personal Attributes:
- Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to make assessments based on a range of information
- A child-focused approach, committed to improving outcomes for children and young people
- A reflective and open-minded approach to practice and feedback
- Ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands
Why Work for Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and committed team dedicated to safeguarding children and improving their lives. Bexley Council provide staff with access to continuous professional development and regular supervision, ensuring that you have the support you need to succeed in your role.
Apply Now:
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, and have the necessary skills and experience, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of a team that is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in our community.
The London Borough Of Bexley is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.