INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Social Work Assistant

Salary: C1 £28,598 – £31,022

Location and Hours:

Dewsbury Road Community Hub (LS11 6PF) - 37 hours per week (1 post)
Farnley Hall (LS12 5HA) – 37 hours per week (1 post)

Contract: Permanent role and full-time (part-time or job-share will be considered to suitably skilled candidates).

Exciting opportunities has arisen for a Social Work Assistant roles within South / West Children and Families Social Work Team

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families in Leeds?

Children’s Social Work Service have exciting vacancies within busy area team. You will part of a team who delivers support and protection to children and families. The role holder will work alongside qualified social workers to ensure children and families are supported to access services to improve their lives and situation.

Main Responsibilities (but not limited to) of the role include:

Work safely and sensitively with vulnerable families, children and young people, responding appropriately to dynamic and challenging situations and safeguarding concerns.
Enabling users to access welfare rights, benefits and support with debt/budgeting
Build relationships with partners and charities so we are able to meet assessed needs through appropriate referrals.
Assisting with some practical support by ‘doing with’ not ‘doing for’.
Offer support and respond to families in crisis, identifying a package of support.
Undertaking planned pieces of work to strengthen parenting strategies, routines and boundaries to improve childrens lived experiences
Work alongside families to help and encourage them to understand the impact of domestic abuse, physical, emotional harm and neglect and enable them to make changes.
Work with the oversight of qualified workers to undertake assessment of risk and need within prebirth planning, within period of assessment, Child in Need and Child Protection Plans, and whilst in Child Care Proceedings.
Arrange and supervise children in care to see their parents and/or other significant family members (family time) to meet the requirements of the child.
Transport children and families to appointments and to/from family time when necessary. (clean driving licence and access to vehicle is required)
Undertaking direct work with children, this to include obtaining their wishes and feelings and supporting them throughout assessment process. This will include Life Story work.
Assist young people in independent living when unable to live at home, building a package of support to meet their needs.
Engage with families in a positive, respectful, and responsive manner to enable them to gain the most out of the support being offered and where needed support alternative care planning for those children and young people.
With the support of an experienced Social Worker/Team Manager to attend and participate in Child Protection Conferences, Core Group meetings, family Group conferencing or other relevant meetings as required and contributing to care planning.

What We Are Looking For

A genuine passion for working with children, young people, and families.
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children, families and partner agencies and support positive change within their family time.
Attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, concise records and reports.
Resilience and adaptability when supporting families in sometimes complex and rapidly changing circumstances.
Motivated and able to work as part of a team and with other professionals, in a muti-disciplinary workforce.
Respect for families right to privacy, confidentiality and dignity.
Applicants with a basic understanding of child development and experience of working with children and families.

About The Role

Please see the full job description for the role and responsibilities.

What We Offer You

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including: a comprehensive employee experience, including a competitive salary with annual leave and statutory holidays, membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions, and flexible or hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements. Employees benefit from a clear career pathway with ongoing professional development opportunities, alongside a range of staff benefits designed to support wellbeing and enhance financial value.

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form preferencing the location and the hours of the role, or both locations if applicable.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Paul Fryer, Service Delivery Manager on 0113 3786721 or email paul.c.fryer@leeds.gov.uk

The closing date for application is Sunday 2^nd August with interviews taking place on Friday 14^th August.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To take responsibility for assessing needs and providing services to less vulnerable service users and to assist staff in assessing need and providing services in more complex cases. Variable working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings. Social Work Assistants are based at locations across the City and will be required to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

Provide or assist the provision of services to meet and assist users in respect of welfare rights, as appropriate.
Provide advice, under Directorate guidance, to service users and carers in respect of financial problems, debts, and welfare benefits as appropriate.
Undertake financial assessments and give appropriate advice and support.
Work under the oversight of experienced Social Workers (post ASYE) in making enquiries of alleged neglect, abuse, or ill-treatment of children.
Work under the oversight of experienced Social Workers (post ASYE) in supporting the undertaking of a wide range of assessments (pre-birth assessments, risk assessment, Child, and Family Assessment).
Undertake family work relating to preventative work, offering guidance and support, in conjunction with the Social Worker and/or Team Manager.
Undertake planned pieces of work or specific tasks with children who have a child protection plan, under the oversight of an experienced Social Worker.
Work in partnership with other professionals and/or agencies within the local authority, to meet outcomes for children.
Maintain case records accurately and in line with your role prepare any relevant documentation as required by the local Authority and other agencies in accordance with the Directorate’s and policy and practice.
Arrange and supervise children in care to see their parents and/or other significant family members (contact) to meet the requirements of the child.
Transport children and families to medical examinations and appointments where necessary.
Undertaking direct work with children, this to include obtaining their wishes and feelings and supporting them throughout assessment process. This will include Life Story work.
Assist young people in independent living when unable to live at home, building a package of support to meet their needs.
Engage with families in a positive, respectful, and responsive manner to enable them to gain the most out of the support being offered and where needed support alternative care planning for those children and young people.
With the support of an experienced Social Worker/Team Manager to attend and participate in Child Protection Conferences, Core Group meetings, family Group conferencing or other relevant meetings as required and contributing to care planning.
Offer support and encouragement to parent/carers, relating to the development and well-being of their children with a view to enabling them to remain with their families/carers safely where appropriate.
Offer support and respond to families in crisis quickly identifying a package of support.
Under the close supervision of your Team Manager to attend court to give evidence should this be required.
Participate in appropriate training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
The post holder will maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within Childrens Services, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies, and the general public.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications No formal qualifications required

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills Required

Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
Able to work with service users and carers who have a diverse range of needs and presenting behaviours
Able to relate to individuals and groups, particularly children, young people, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Able to work as part of a team and with professionals from other agencies, in the delivery of services.
Able to pass information effectively, accurately, and concisely between service users, carers, colleagues, and other agencies.
Able to produce good quality records and reports.

Knowledge Required

Basic understanding of legislation and current issues in Children’s Social Care.
An understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Basic understanding of issues of child development including adolescence and transition to adulthood.

Experience Required

Of working within a team.
Of working with children, young people, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds with a diverse range of needs.
Of working with other relevant agencies.
Of undertaking assessments.

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

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