Key accountabilities
Understand the role of the child and family and child development
The post holder will be responsible for building effective professional relationships with children and families that enables full participation in assessment, and care planning based upon best evidence which addresses risk in all its forms. The post holder will take account of child development theories and new learning to inform their practice and shape their assessment and analysis of risk and care planning, taking into account that each child is unique within developmental norms. The post holder will assess the influence and impact of cultural and social factors on the child’s development including key factors such as parenting styles, and the child’s resilience/uncertainty to change and loss.
Understand factors that impact children including abuse and neglect
The post holder will identify the impact that social and environmental factors have on parents and carers ability to promote good outcomes for children accessing help for them via other services and adult interventions to promote the outcome of improving the child’s outcomes.
This will include early help, domestic violence, mental health services and coordinating as part of social work intervention to reduce concerning adult behaviours that could increase risk to children. The post holder will exchange information with partner agencies as part of their responsibilities to safeguard and promote the safety of children.
Taking into account the long term and acute aspects of child abuse in all its forms. The post holder will lead investigations of allegations of significant harm listening and challenging appropriately the views of others to assess and analyse risk. As part of this the post holder will coordinate and lead a coordinated risk management plan to protect children from significant harm.
Undertake effective direct work with children and families
The post holder will demonstrate the ability to develop strong interpersonal skills to engage and motivate children and their families in a variety of circumstances such as child protection enquiries and assessment, in order to enable change.
The post holder will draw on theoretical evidence based interventions and research to inform their practice and interactions with children and families in all stages of their journey and interaction with social care from early help transition to adult services, independence and adoption.
Undertake child and family assessment demonstrating effective analysis, decision[1]making, planning and review
The post holder will have the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with children of all ages and abilities drawing on a range of agreed evidence based communication methods to enable them to share their wishes and feelings.
The post holder will be able to demonstrate effective care planning utilising skills to critically evaluate risks alongside evident strengths in order to make effective decisions and ensure solution focused approaches to problem solving that draws on utilising finite resources to maximum effect. This will include working with the voluntary and community sector.
The post holder will be able to undertake clear jargon free case recordings, written reports which evidence clear analysis and rationale for decisions made.
Understand the law and the family justice system undertaking ongoing research
Understand the role of a Social Work within the family justice system and how relevant regulation and statutory guidance relates to the law and carry out all duties with due regard to confidentiality and data protection regulations and legislation.
Keep records up to date in compliance with Manchester City Council recording policy and procedures. Develop opportunities to share and reflect on decisions made on an ongoing basis, including seeking advice from other professionals and agencies
Demonstrate professional ethics
Ensure that all children and adults are valued regardless of age, gender orientation and disability.
Deliver performance management and service improvement
The post holder will support the leadership of the team and service through the provision of advice and supervision to colleagues, contributing to the ongoing development of staff, students and trainees. Take responsibility under the direction of the team manager for the support and supervision of a student social worker on placement, acting as practice teacher if appropriately trained.
Will lead and co-work cases and specific areas of work that are complex and sensitive as part of supporting and developing colleagues development within the team and as part of this induction new staff.
Ensure that the regular use of quality assurance processes in the development of frontline practice as part of supporting the improvement of practice and development of a high quality service to children and families. People. Pride. Place.
Deputise for the team manager in their absence and or when directed to do so and assist the team manager in ensuring health and safety of staff and individuals and the safety of equipment and operations within the team, in accordance with health and safety legislation.
Personal commitment to continuous self development and service improvement. Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, ensure diversity is positively valued, resulting in equal access and treatment in employment, service delivery and communications.