Qualified Social Worker - Cared For Children Team

Location: Manchester

Rate: Competitive

Role: Full-time, Office-based 

Contact: Emily Cooper - 07902371315 / ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com
 

Are you an experienced social worker looking for a new challenge? Join our dedicated Cared For Children (C4C) Team in Manchester and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in our community.

YOU MUST BE SOCIAL WORK ENGLAND REGISTERED AND A QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKER TO APPLY FOR THIS POST
 

Main Purpose:

As an experienced Social Worker with a minimum of 2 years’ experience within a Cared For Children Team, you will handle more complex cases, assess and manage risks appropriately, and work closely with service users and stakeholders to assist in service planning.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of more complex cases and provide advice to other social workers on their cases.
• Support less experienced social workers, supervise students, trainees, PAs, support staff, and volunteers.
• Participate in the planning and reviewing of cases.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families, and carers.
• Provide advice and support, promoting independence and early intervention.
• Liaise with colleagues and external agencies to gather information for assessments and care planning.
• Maintain and update case notes and records to ethical and quality standards.
• Write high-quality reports and provide evidence in court for care proceedings when required.
• Work effectively on complex situations, using initiative and evaluating practice.
• Be familiar with local resource networks and undertake capacity building with individuals, families, communities, user groups, and voluntary organisations.
• Serve as a reliable knowledge source for peers and advise others.
• Participate in duty matters on a rota basis.
   

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Professional qualification in Social Work with considerable experience in a relevant field.
• In-depth knowledge of care assessment, planning, and relevant legislation.
• Supervisory skills to oversee students, trainees, support staff, and volunteers.
• Strong analytical, planning, and communication skills.
• Experience in C4C is desirable, but skills from other areas of CSC are transferable.
• Competency in assessment skills, smart planning, and analytic skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and ensure timely recording.
• Excellent relational skills, with the ability to engage children/young people, gather their wishes/feelings, and advocate for them.
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding, supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential, and transitions/permanence planning.
   

Team Structure:

• 3 C4C teams, each with around 6 social workers.
• Step Ahead service with around 12 PAs.
• Post Order and Permanence Team with around 6 social workers.
• Caseloads are currently around 20-22.
   

Work Environment:

• Full-time staff are expected in the office around 3 days per week.
• Flexibility for community visits and meetings.
• Potential for home working with prior management agreement for specific tasks.
   

Apply Now:

If you are ready to take on this rewarding role and contribute to a dedicated team, we want to hear from you. For more information, please contact Emily Cooper at 07902371315 or email ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com.

Make a difference in the lives of children and young people in Manchester. Apply today!