Social Worker - Children and Families
St. Helens MBC
Role
Who You Are
You are a dedicated professional capable of managing challenging cases and providing exemplary service to improve outcomes for children and young people. You work effectively within statutory, organizational, and multi-agency systems, collaborating with children, young people, families, and carers, and liaising with a range of professionals within multi-disciplinary teams. You serve as a model for best practices, setting expectations for others, and coach and mentor student social workers as needed.
What the Job Involves
This role involves holding and managing complex caseloads, investigating allegations of neglect, ill-treatment, or abuse, and providing assessments, designing, and implementing care/protection plans. You will prepare necessary legal documents, represent the department in court, and manage casework ensuring compliance with service practice standards and statutory timescales. Your responsibilities also include maintaining accurate case records, overcoming resistance to social care involvement, and ensuring protective measures are implemented for children/young people. Additionally, you are expected to provide expertise, engage in research and evaluation, and promote best practice informed by current evidence.
Skills
- Strong case management skills
- Ability to handle complex situations
- Effective risk management
- Proficient in report and legal documentation preparation
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
- Skill in modeling and promoting best practices
- Capacity for coaching and mentoring
- Proficiency with electronic case management systems
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Expertise in handling statutory requirements and departmental priorities