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Social Worker – 16-25 Team

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

We’re seeking an experienced Social Worker to join our 16-25 Team and play a key role in supporting our looked after children and young people.

The team, which includes social workers and personal advisors, uses a multi-agency approach and the ‘Signs of Safety’ framework to ensure that local children live safely and are supported to achieve their goals.

You’ll work with looked after children and young people as well as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to promote positive outcomes.

You will have the opportunities to develop your continued practice through case work, training and shared practice learning within the team.

We offer a £4000 market supplement (pro rata), excellent training and career progression opportunities, flexible working including homeworking for up to 2 days a week (full time equivalent) and a suite of IT equipment to enable you to do your job effectively. Support with career progression and access to clinical supervision is provided to all employees.

We encourage and warmly welcome applications from social workers in all disciplines such as Adult Social Care and Mental Health Services.

This role is eligible for you to be referred by an MKCC employee, as part of the Children’s Services Social Worker Referral Scheme.  The successful candidate, and the referrer, will, subject to all conditions of the scheme being met, receive £1000. The reward is split into two £500 payments, the first received on appointment, and the second after the first-year anniversary of being in post. You must indicate in your application, the name of the person referring you, for this to apply. It cannot be applied retrospectively.

Main Responsibility

  • Ensure assessments are carried out effectively, speaking to/observing the child and young person, and within timescales so that their care needs are clearly identified and recorded.
  • Ensure accurate individual case records are maintained electronically for children/young people.
  • Devise, implement and monitor childcare plans and interventions appropriate for each child/family to address identified needs through regular reviews in line with statutory timescales and legislation. All duties carried out are in line with the 1989 Children Act.
  • Work alongside other agencies and family services to provide a comprehensive range of child support services and solutions.
  • Responsible for managing a childcare workload which involves supporting children within their families or in care settings, taking timely action to protect children and working with other services to ensure their needs are met across all 5 Every Child Matters outcomes.
  • Work closely with other agencies and services in a co-operative way, sharing information and planning care together to meet the needs of the child and young person holistically.
  • To attend regular supervisory sessions with the Team/Deputy Manager and/or Senior colleagues to regularly monitor progress and identify development needs.
  • Represent the Local Authority in public and private law proceedings which will involve oral evidence being given in Court, writing Court statements, care plans and complying with the directions as set out in Court Orders.

The Ideal Candidate

  • Social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, Degree in Social Work or equivalent) and registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England.
  • Keeping up to date with policy and legislation and developments in professional practice. Using reflection and other techniques and development tools to continually improve professional practice.
  • Ability to analyse, summarise and write/ record relevant information clearly and concisely so that it is easily understood by users and colleagues.
  • Able to communicate clearly with clients and with other colleagues, and effectively in writing.
  • You’ll be resilient and adaptable to working in different situations and environments.
  • Ability to use IT systems effectively to record clear and concise information in respect of children.
  • Ability to question, challenge, solve problems and complete tasks.
  • Able in consultation with a manager, to make considered decisions, analyse and evaluate information in high-risk situations. The role holder will need a good level of critical thinking and creativity, and the need to work at a fast pace.
  • Manage own time and find cost effective solutions to meet children’s needs.
  • Proven ability to relate professionally with children and families evidenced through previous work as a Social Worker.

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%.
  • 28 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 32 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, 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.
  • Blue Light Card - Employees working within Social Care can qualify for a range of discounts from national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more!
  • 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.

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