Job Introduction
As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) you have a unique opportunity to join a growing city with the largest population of children in England. As a NQSW in the Family Support Team you will be supported to learn about Milton Keynes and the diverse range of children and families who live here. You will be supported to learn about the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities to ensure children are kept safe.
With clinical supervision, coaching and training you will be supported to assess and implement care plans for Children In Need. As your skills and experience develop, you will support children and families with more complexity including children subject to Child Protection and Children Looked After by the Local Authority.
The Family Support Teams play a key role in supporting children, young people and their families to safely remain together. Our approach which we refer to as the Golden Triangle is to do all we can, to make this happen. You will be supported to complete thorough assessments to identify the root cause of challenges which children and their families may face. From this, we put in place protective plans to address areas of risk and need.
As a NQSW you will have access to a wide range of resources to enable you to put robust plans in place. The goal is to enable families to learn and adapt their parenting to meet their children’s needs. When this isn’t possible, together with other colleagues and professionals you will pursue alternative permanency plans, ensuring this happens without delay.
As a NQSW you will be given ample opportunity to build relationships with fellow NQSW’s where together you will be able to learn and develop together. After successfully completing the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) you will progress to Level 2, a pay increment will reflect your acquired knowledge and skills.
Flexible working arrangements, a smart phone, laptop, career development opportunities and a market supplement are a few of the benefits you will experience if you join us.
If you would like to learn more about this role, please contact: SWrecruitment@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Main Responsibility
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The allocated Social Worker to a case load of a maximum of 16 children and young people who are Children In Need as defined in the Children Act 1989. This will include working with children whose family status is No Recourse to Public Funds.
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Building relationships with children by using various tools and skills to engage them to ensure their voice is heard and forms the basis for assessments and care plans.
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Working with parents and carers to identify their strengths to empower them to overcome the challenges they may be facing.
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By working closely with children, their families and the professionals around them the information gathered will be considered as part of Children and Families Assessments.
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Chair Child In Need Meetings as part of a multi-disciplinary team which will inform care plans for children and young people.
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Working closely with colleagues to fulfil duty responsibilities as advised by the Team Manager during office hours.
The Ideal Candidate
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An enthusiastic newly qualified Social Worker with transferrable skills who’s willing to share their knowledge and experience to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families.
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Someone committed to supporting children, young people and their families and has the resilience to go that extra mile to ensure they achieve their potential.
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Someone who is willing to work as part of a team in sharing knowledge and supporting team development.
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Someone who has a driving license, business insurance and can travel in and outside of Milton Keynes which may sometimes include working outside of office hours.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes City Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes City Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
