To lead, support, develop excellent social work practice across the service.
This is an exciting opportunity to manage, guide and support the progress of newly-qualified Social Workers as they complete their first year in the job. This is a crucial moment in their career, as it is when they are forming a defined understanding of the systems we adopt in the borough, and social work processes. Each Social Worker who is allocated to you (you will oversee 3-5 at any one time) will come with different work experience placements under their belt, so this is a fulfilling opportunity to help them fill in gaps in their knowledge, embrace practice development and help them find their passion for the impact that they can make on children’s lives.
As such, you will be there to monitor their progress as they complete their ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) in their first year of the role. Completing reports on their progress, you will identify areas they need to strengthen their skills in, but also areas where they are excelling. This will mean conducting their foundational review at 3 months, the 3-6 months interim assessment, and the 6-12 months final review, so you will play a crucial role in their development. Ensuring each Social Worker benefits from constructive feedback from peers and the families they are working with, you will see to it that they are supported on visits, and you will inform the potential approaches they could take, without making the final decisions for them.
Every Social Worker will need different levels of support, so you will excel in this role if you can adjust your approach according to who you are working with. As a registered Social Worker with significant experience of working with children, you will have a good awareness of the relevant legislation and you will be fluent in best practice, particularly in relation to assessing, care planning and improving outcomes for vulnerable children. Having completed (or nearly completed) the Practice Educator 1&2 qualification, you will be keen to share expertise not only with newly-qualified Social Workers, but also with experienced colleagues. With great report writing and organisational skills, you will have fantastic communication and mentoring skils, and you will be comfortable working at all levels across the service.
Please note that we will expect you to work 4 days in the office (and out in the community, conducting visits) and 1 day from home.
As a social worker, Kensington and Chelsea presents a unique and rewarding work environment. The borough is home to a diverse community and the demographic make up of our staff reflects this.
We are committed to promoting equality and celebrating the benefits of diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
The borough’s commitment to social care is reflected in its innovative approach to service delivery. For example, the Council has established a Bi-Borough partnership with neighbouring borough Westminster, which allows for the sharing of resources and expertise. The partnership has resulted in improved service delivery and better outcomes for vulnerable residents, which was recognised in our last ILACS inspection which found Kensington and Chelsea to be Outstanding in all judgement areas.
“Children in care and care leavers receive an outstanding service from workers who know them exceptionally well and are caring and ambitious for them. There is strong corporate support from the wider council to provide high-quality social work services for children, including significant financial investment so that the conditions are in place for excellent social work practice to flourish.”Ofsted
“Children in care and care leavers receive an outstanding service from workers who know them exceptionally well and are caring and ambitious for them. There is strong corporate support from the wider council to provide high-quality social work services for children, including significant financial investment so that the conditions are in place for excellent social work practice to flourish.”
Ofsted
Social workers in Kensington and Chelsea can look forward to a package that includes a competitive salary and child protection payment of £2,500 for social worker positions, membership of the Local Government pension scheme, Travel allowance scheme for zones 1 and 2, cycle scheme, reimbursement of Social Work England fees, generous annual leave plus bank holidays and discounts for many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. Employees also benefit from an extensive training package, with access to the West London Alliance essential training and to years 1 and 2 of Systemic Practice.
In addition, we offer an annual leave purchase scheme where you can purchase up to 5 days annual leave per annum at 90 per cent of the actual cost. The Council has a staff contributory private healthcare scheme, open to all staff and offers a Dental Insurance Plan.