Senior Social Worker Childrens (MASH) - SCP 39-40*

Please note that this role is currently a hybrid role of working in the office (we are based at Wokingham Shute End Office in the Wokingham Town Centre) and Working from Home. We expect the social worker to work in a hybrid way, and they will be office based 50% of the time, with the other 50% WFH (this will likely be 3 days per week in the office). This will be agreed in advance on a rota system, however there are times when a flexible approach to this will be needed Please ensure that you do not submit any candidates who have worked in the Southeast region on a permanent basis within the last 3 months. Main Accountabilities of the post 1            Receive referrals and gather relevant and proportionate information to ensure that informed and evidence-based decisions are made in a timely way, in accordance with statutory guidance and Wokingham Child Protection Procedures. 2            Work in a co-located team of professionals to collaborate,  screen and explore all information received in order to form a timely view of the child’s needs and any next steps required to address these needs/safeguard. 3           Ensure that all information is recorded accurately, proportionately and in a timely way ensuring that the case management system is used as the team and service requires. 4            Ensure that all work carried out is in line with local levels of need, best practice, legislative guidance and performance management/ key performance indicators. 5. Provide advice, support and signposting to professionals and families, as appropriate. 6.           Ensure the family, child and carer are involved where possible, utilising Wokingham’s practice framework ( and with consideration of the child and family’s cultural and communication needs) ensuring choice and consent are integrated (where safe to do so) and ensure a professional and respectful response is given to all service users, colleagues and partners     Receive referrals, gathering relevant and proportionate information to ensure that informed and evidence based decisions are made in a timely way, in accordance with Wokingham�s child protection procedures. 7    Working in a co-located team of professionals to carry out thorough assessments; screening, reviewing, unpicking and exploring all contacts received in order to form a timely view of the child�s needs and any next steps required to address these needs/any risk of harm 8    Ensure that all information is regularly updated and maintained on electronic systems, ensuring that the database is used appropriately and required actions are undertaken within reasonable timescales so backlogs do not accumulate 9   Ensure that all work carried out is in line with local levels of need, best practice, legislation and in accordance with the requirements of the performance management structure and guidelines. 10    Ensure the family, child and carer are involved where possible in all decision-making and information sharing, working in a person-centred way (including addressing cultural and communication needs) ensuring choices and aspirations are acknowledged and that a professional and respectful response is given to all service users, colleagues and partnership workers at all times.

11    Participate in appropriate activities and learning to develop own professional expertise. Develop and improve services, maintaining up to date knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice. 12    At all times, to promote and safeguard the welfare of children who live or access services in, or who are looked after by Wokingham Borough Council.

 13   Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and agencies including; health, police, education departments, early year�s professionals and housing departments.  14    Take responsibility for maintaining detailed and up to date knowledge of community resources and agencies providing services for vulnerable children and their families.  15    Primarily office based with most interactions taking place over the telephone with parent�s/carers and professionals as well as their colleagues in duty/MASH.

Various Job Title    MASH Social Worker Service Children�s Services - Social Care and Early Help    Team Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Location    Various Reports to    Team Manager (with day to day management by Assistant Team Manager as appropriate) Grade:    Type of position: Hours per Week: Experienced Social Worker: NL34 � NL38 Senior Social Worker: NL39 � NL40

Full-time 37 This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this post. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an inventory of all duties, responsibilities and outputs required of employees assigned to the role. Service Purpose Social Care and Early Help

Additional Corporate Responsibilities 1 High Support, High Challenge: To ensure that you bring forward your good ideas, to challenge areas where the council can improve, and to contribute to the council�s ongoing success. 2 Health and Safety: Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work; and co-operate with the council to enable the council to perform or comply with its duties under statutory health and safety provisions. 3    Equal Opportunities: To take positive action to ensure a thorough understanding of and positive commitment to equality in both service delivery and employment practices. 4    Safeguarding responsibilities At all times to demonstrate and positively reinforce our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. 5    Special Factors: Willingness and flexibility to undertake a range of roles across children�s social work as required. Flexibility in working hours including some availability to work outside normal office hours. Able to work with degrees of risk, change and conflict, to identify personal stress levels, and to seek advice and support when necessary, within or outside of formal supervision. Ability to undertake lone working in a range of settings including clients� own homes if necessary Ability to travel to a variety of locations. Scope Resources Facilities, equipment or systems within overall span of control N/A DBS Check required Yes Council Values

We have a set of values for how we behave together and how we provide our services to our customers. These values help us develop a culture where staff work in a collaborative way and deliver services with high standards of care.  Please view these values on our website: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/open-data/about-us-our-vision-priorities-and-values/ Person Specification Qualifications Essential Desirable    How criteria will be assessed Recognised and current professional Social Work qualification e.g. DipSW, Social Work degree, etc. and registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) E        Application

Technical Skills. Essential Desirable Effective IT skills to make optimum use of available communication media to disseminate information and maintain computer based records. E        Application Good interpersonal and communication skills, including face-to-face communication and written work. E        Application/ Interview/ Exercise Problem solving skills and ability to deal with sensitive issues, manage conflicting views and expectations and cope with unpredictable issues and behaviour. E        Application/ Interview Ability to work alone and unsupervised at times, yet also work effectively as part of a team. E        Application/ Interview/ References Critical reflection and analysis. E E

    Interview/ Exercise Investigation and assessment skills. E E

    Interview/ Exercise Knowledge Essential Desirable Good working knowledge of the relevant statutory and regulatory framework and of an appropriate range of professional interventions. E        Application/ Interview/ References Critical awareness of current issues and new evidenced-based practice research. D    Interview/Exercise Experience Essential Desirable Previous experience in a social care, health care or education working environment. E        Application Client group experience in a relevant setting. D    Application Experience of multi-disciplinary working. D    Application/ Interview/ Exercise