Here at West Sussex County Council we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced leadership team driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan.

We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be done and the challenge ahead. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There's never been a more rewarding time to join.

For further information about us and about working in Children's Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit Careers in children's social work in West Sussex.

Salary: £30,411 - £44,146 (market supplements included)

Working Pattern: Full-time

Location: Horsham or Bognor Regis

From 01 July 2021 our new pay structure has gone live increasing the salary to £37,024 - £49,339 (including market supplements). Further information can be found by visiting the Pay, reward and benefits page.

We're seeking dedicated and experienced Social Workers to join our children's services Family Support and Protection teams based in Horsham or Bognor Regis. Our busy, energetic and aspirational Family Support and Protection team work with children and families at the point in their journey where there are safeguarding concerns and act to reduce those risks. They play a key role in child protection, child in need cases and safety planning for children.

Family Support and Protection undertake meaningful, transparent direct work with children and their families ensuring the most positive outcomes and our diverse practice teams work within a positive, nurturing environment where successes are celebrated and individuals within the team are supported to grow and develop.

There are 5 practice groups working geographically with each managed by a Group Manager. They in turn support 4 to 5 practice teams led by Practice Managers. We have a Court Progression Officer leading on our improvement plan for our children within the public law outline. There is a cohort of approximately 1200 children in Family Support and Protection, from pre-birth to 18 years, and children subject to child protection plans and within the public law outline. Some child in need work is undertaken as children step down from child protection planning and transition on to our universal or Early Help service.

Experience and Skills

Key Skills:

• Able to analyse and interpret information and data, prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
• Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs and negotiate and implement effective outcomes.
• Able to work in partnership with carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral format, including the ability to explain complicated information to others and use negotiation and persuasion skills to encourage others to adopt a course of action.
• Able to recognise limits of own accountability and responsibility and seek appropriate support, advice and supervision.

Qualifications and/or experience:

• A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
• Registration with the relevant professional registration body and maintaining registration with that body.
• Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with complex issues, for example, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development.
• Experience of effectively coaching and supervising others, acting as practice role model and promoting exemplary practice.
• Experience of managing levels of risk within a caseload.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer small practice teams of Social Workers managed by a Practice Manager and supported by Advanced Practitioners and Child & Family Workers as well as additional flexible administrative support from Coordinators embedded within the service.

We provide regular group supervision and peer learning alongside specialist roles within the team to focus on the most vulnerable children. As a Social Worker, you'll have a minimum of 5 CPD and training days per year with access to excellent learning and development provisions such as Research in Practice and Community Care Inform, Social Work England fees paid and annual leave up to 29 days, as well as the option to buy up to 3 additional days.

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do. For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee, please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Reference: CAFHE03121.