Social Worker – Direct Fostering Team

Job Title: Social Worker – Direct Fostering Team

Location: Various locations throughout Ceredigion

Type: Permanent

Hours of Work: Full time, 37 hours per week

All roles have a £2.4k market supplement (paid £200 p/m)

Salaries (per annum):

• Newly Qualified: £31,099 - £32,909

• Social Worker: £34,723 - £36,298

• Senior Practitioner: £36,371 - £38,553

About Us:

At Ceredigion County Council, our foremost concerns revolve around safeguarding and shielding vulnerable adults and children. We are dedicated to guaranteeing the safety and welfare of those requiring assistance, offering necessary support and intervention. As a demonstration of our dedication, all personnel and volunteers undergo Enhanced Checks conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) prior to their appointment.

As a dedicated service committed to delivering results, you have the opportunity to harness creativity to empower individuals and families in strengthening their resilience. With clear avenues for growth and participation in a service that prioritises comprehensive well-being for people of all ages, your career possibilities are limitless.

Job Purpose:

To fulfil statutory duties outlined in Part 4 and 6 of the SSWBA and other relevant social care legislation. This involves assessing, supporting, and safeguarding children and adults in need of care and support or at risk of harm. The role entails assisting individuals and families in overcoming major difficulties, enhancing coping skills, and fostering independence and resilience. Adherence to current legislation, statutory guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices is essential. The objective is to assess, commission, and review support services and planned interventions for individuals at risk or vulnerable, collaborating with colleagues in both statutory and independent sectors to ensure a multi-agency approach that empowers service-users to advocate for themselves while ensuring their safety and protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Delivery:

• Assist individuals and families in addressing daily living challenges

• Contribute to and conduct enquiries to protect vulnerable individuals or those in danger of harm

• Ensure the safety of children and adults through legal processes when necessary

• Work collaboratively with individuals, professionals, and agencies within the Signs of Safety model

• Promote self-worth and rights, providing relevant information and acting as an advocate for service users

• Adhere to statutory requirements and legal frameworks in care planning and safeguarding

• Facilitate Best Interest meetings and decisions as per the Mental Capacity Act

• Assess and review individuals' circumstances to develop appropriate care and protection plans

• Contribute to resource planning, good practice, policy development, and service initiatives

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of relevant regulations, statutes, and practices

• Foster close working relationships with other agencies and multidisciplinary teams

• Contribute to student supervision and training

• Provide training based on expertise and interests

• Maintain flexibility in duties to meet changing service and community needs

• Attend regular supervision meetings with the line manager

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that support services meet assessed needs

• Evaluate service user satisfaction and assess risks positively

• Maintain accurate records in accordance with requirements.

General Responsibilities:

• Develop knowledge and skills in social work tasks under guidance

• Promote Welsh language and service user language preferences

• Foster effective partnership working with colleagues and agencies

• Maintain flexibility in work patterns to meet changing needs

• Promote dignity in care and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures

• Be knowledgeable about Liberty Protection Safeguards procedures

• Adhere to statutory legislation, guidance, and internal policies

• Be flexible in adapting to evolving duties and service requirements

• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and training courses as directed.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Degree in social work or equivalent qualification

• Proficiency in Welsh and English language skills

• Registration with Social Care Wales

• Effective communication skills with diverse populations

• Ability to assess and develop care plans for individuals with complex needs

• Understanding of relevant legislation and regulations

• Experience in multi-agency working and building relationships with service users

• Training in CPEL 1st years in practice and Joint Investigation/Achieving Best Evidence.

Desirable:

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

• Proficiency in working from home, including reliable broadband access

Benefits:

• Career progression - Exciting prospects await for advancing into higher-level roles while honing expertise in specialised domains.

• Excellent training - Our core learning and development programs offer ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Flexible working - We offer flexible scheduling options, accommodating time off for medical, dental, and optician appointments.

• Hybrid working - Providing you with the chance to seamlessly integrate community engagement and office responsibilities with the flexibility of remote work.

• Generous holiday - Take a break and unwind with an annual leave allowance ranging from 27 to 34 days per year, in addition to 8 public holidays.

• Great pension contributions - Secure your future with our generous Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Lifestyle savings - Benefit from structured discounts and exclusive Vectis care packages available across a variety of local and national establishments.

• Salary sacrifice - Utilise our 'Cycle to Work' program along with the option for extra voluntary pension contributions.

• Leisure for less - Take advantage of reduced-rate membership for Ceredigion's nearby leisure centres.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join our dynamic team at Ceredigion County Council and make a difference!