Social Work Assistant

Job Description

4Recruitment Services are seeking a Social Work Assistant for our client based in Sheffield.

The role:

• To work alongside social workers in assessing the levels of need of children and young people, their families and carers and identifying appropriate plans and services to support them.
• To carry out specific pieces of work identified as part of a plan to support children/young people and their families.

Working Arrangements:

37 hours per week. Monday to Thursday, 8:45am -5:15pm; Friday, 8:45am – 4:45pm.Combination of office-based work and visits to children’s and families’ homes and other locations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work alongside Social Workers to provide advice and practical support to children and young people who are deemed to be ‘in need’ under the Children Act 1989 or identified as requiring additional support.
• Provide support and advice to families and carers on how best to meet the needs of their children and young people.
• Assist with and undertake joint assessments alongside Social Workers and other agency professionals, where appropriate.
• Participate in the development and implementation of plans for children who are Looked After, subject to Child in Need or Child Protection plans, in accordance with their assessed needs. Monitor and contribute to the review of these plans in liaison with Social Workers and other agencies.
• Promote educational, training and employment opportunities and the development of social skills for young people.
• Support young people in need to secure and maintain appropriate accommodation.
• Establish links within local communities to ensure effective responses to the needs of children and young people.
• Assist young people in developing a range of self-care and independent living skills.
• Promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people and support access to appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records using relevant management information systems.
• Maintain and develop professional practice and experience through supervision and agreed performance targets.
• Contribute to the achievement of service objectives and agreed quality standards.
• Maintain an appropriate caseload, in agreement with the Senior Fieldwork Manager, working in partnership with Social Workers and colleagues from other agencies.
• Analyse information gathered through assessments, alongside Social Workers and Senior Fieldwork Managers, and make recommendations regarding appropriate services to support the ongoing needs of children, young people and their families.
• Make day-to-day decisions in conjunction with Social Workers, recognising when issues or decisions need to be escalated to a qualified Social Worker or Senior Fieldwork Manager.
• Undertake tasks relating to statutory cases, including lone visits where required. Overall responsibility for the management of statutory cases will remain with qualified Social Workers. Support Workers may also have responsibility for Child in Need cases in consultation with managers.

Essential Requirements include:

• Significant experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and families at times of change in their lives and responding appropriately demonstrated by evidence of work history in a social services setting
• Good understanding of child development, safeguarding and the needs of children and families.
• Knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals.
• Ability to recognise concerns, assess basic needs and risks and understand when to escalate matters.
• Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise tasks and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle would be beneficial due to the travel involved in the role.
• Enhanced DBS check

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on 0800 988 6307 or email  gpadmin@4recruitmentservices.com