The Role

At Wandsworth we believe that if we invest in new ways of thinking and working, you'll have everything you need to do the job. In turn, that means we will be able to deliver the best possible support for children and young people.

The Children in Need Service works with children of all ages, from unborn children to age 18 and their families.

 A social worker in this service will hold a varied caseload including children on a child protection plan, pre proceedings under the PLO, care proceedings and children in need.

The work includes:  in-depth assessments of need and risk;  work with families and other agencies support and make plans to safeguard children and reduce risk of harm.

As a Team Manager you will:

• Manage a team of 6 social workers, a consultant social worker and an assistant team manager
• Deliver a high-quality and responsive social care ensuring safeguarding is paramount
• Ensure social care practices are in line with statutory guidelines and policy and procedures
• Promote partnership working and collaborative work with colleagues in other agencies

We look for people with a 'can do' attitude, who will be accountable for achieving the best possible outcomes. You will focus on children and families to ensure they receive the highest standards of provision.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as, membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

You will be a HCPC registered practitioner with an appropriate social work qualification. It's vital you have systematic knowledge of relevant legislation and are familiar with new evidence-based research. We are also looking for an advanced qualification in social work (such as a specialist award in working with children and families) or evidence that you can work at this level. 

For an informal discussion about the vacancies please contact the Liisa Jordon (Service Manager) on 0208 871 6326 or Liisa.Jordan@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk  or Susan Hirst (Service Manager) on 0208 871 5870 or Susan.Hirst@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

How to apply

Please complete all the sections of the application form and upload a supporting statement on how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification.

The posts involve occasional travel around the UK and evening & weekend working in line with service participants availability and duty arrangements. Working arrangements are 36 hours a week full time.

At Wandsworth, we believe that if we invest in new ways of thinking and working, you’ll have everything you need to do the job you trained for. In turn, that means we are able to deliver the best possible support for children and young people.

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance, for example compressed hours; home working; or job share, plus a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as Performance Related Pay, membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities are also offered.

Closing Date: Sunday 30 June 2019

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth are currently reviewing our pay, reward and benefits framework, in partnership with Trade Union colleagues. We are developing different options that make sure we have a fair and transparent system in place.

If you are having difficulty in applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 020 8871 8825 or recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to see if we can offer alternative arrangements for you to apply.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils