Child & Family Help Social Worker
Location: Kingston & Richmond
Service: Child & Family Help Team
Scale: Point 29–32
Directorate: Social Care & Early Help
Job Purpose
To work with children, young people and families requiring targeted early help and specialist interventions, including Children in Need, helping to prevent escalation to more serious concerns and Child Protection services.
The Social Worker will manage an allocated caseload, complete assessments, undertake direct work and develop care plans in partnership with children and families.
Key Responsibilities
Manage an allocated caseload in line with statutory requirements, policies and timescales.
Undertake assessments of need, safety planning and contingency planning.
Complete child-focused direct work using creative and purposeful approaches.
Develop and review care plans collaboratively with children, young people and families.
Undertake child protection investigations and assessments where required.
Assess and manage risk, ensuring appropriate interventions and programmes of care are delivered.
Build effective partnerships with families, children, young people and multi-agency professionals.
Chair and contribute to professional and multi-agency meetings.
Advocate for the voice and wishes of children, young people and families.
Maintain accurate case records and produce high-quality reports and written updates.
Apply relevant legislation, statutory guidance and departmental policies to practice.
Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, sharing knowledge and good practice.
Use research, data and evidence to inform professional judgement and decision-making.
Work flexibly across Kingston and Richmond, including offices, youth centres and family hubs.
Participate in reflective supervision and group learning using the Signs of Safety framework.
Use digital technology effectively to support agile working and engagement with children and young people.
Essential Requirements
Relevant Social Work qualification.
Active Social Work England registration.
Successful completion of ASYE or relevant experience working with families alongside a Social Work qualification.
Experience working with children, young people and families.
Experience undertaking assessments, managing risk and delivering appropriate interventions.
Experience managing an allocated caseload and meeting statutory timescales.
Knowledge of legislation and national policy relevant to Children’s Services.
Strong analytical, planning, communication and report-writing skills.
Ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities and make sound professional judgements.
Commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people
