Senior Practitioner/Principle Social Worker Job, Ashford, West London

Our client is looking for a Senior Practitioner /Principle Social Worker to start asap for 2 month contract, may be extended.

Location: Ashford

The Improvement Plan Kent - County Duty Team

Purpose of the Job: Supervise, oversee and develop professional social work staff and support staff and social work assistants. Enable staff to effectively manage their professional social work task and deliver the best outcomes for children and their families which are consistent with the Every Child Matters agenda.

Main duties and responsibilities: Deputise for the Team leader when required with particular regard to liaison with the PSM (Preventative Services Manager) and allocation of workload and resources across the team. Be responsible for overseeing either the duty or long term function within the team to ensure that processes work effectively, service delivery is of a high standard and performance assessment framework and other agreed targets are met. Undertake case audits, quality assurance, practice standards and file management in order to effectively manage workload and ensure high standards are maintained. As part of the District Management Team, identify gaps in service, contribute to the allocation of resources and build up knowledge of external resources. Chair key meetings such as Core Group meetings, Strategy meetings and LAC meetings etc. to ensure the needs of the child are focused on and effective delivery of service. Develop and sustain good joint working relationships with a variety of external agencies and KCC in order to deliver existing and new practices consistently and to a high standard. Provide professional credibility to the service by demonstrating a broad understanding of social work theory and practice across a range of settings. Person Specification: Principal Social Worker Applicants should describe in their application how they meet these criteria.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Degree in social work, CQSW/DipSW or equivalent and registration as a social worker with the General Social Care Council. Recent, relevant professional development.

EXPERIENCE Some experience of professional supervision or line management. Understanding and some experience of budget or resource management. Experience of managing a complex and varied caseload in all aspects of child care e.g. assessment, planning, and permanence.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to access effectively the performance and development needs of social work and support staff and identify, attain and maintain high levels of practice. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to demonstrate professional credibility. Ability to lead and motivate staff. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritise work. Ability to build effective working relationships.

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