Supervising social worker Fostering Support

***If You are a Contingent (Agency) Worker please click here to apply for this job.***

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UKs first Borough of Sanctuary for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

In Lewisham Childrens Social Care we know what good social work looks like and we are passionate about creating the right conditions and culture for good practice to thrive.

• Families are respected and supported to stay together whenever there is safety.
• Families will tell us they understand why we are involved.
• Children will tell us their social worker has made a difference to their lives.
• Children who are in our care know we care and we wont give up on them.
• Young people who have been in our care feel confident about their future.

We have taken a whole system approach to improving our services to children and young people in our borough using Signs of Safety as our practice model. Ofsted recognised the progress we have made noting that:

• Staff talk positively about their manageable caseloads regular supervision team meetings and access to a range of training including the social work model of practice.
• Senior leaders demonstrate a clear focus on hearing the voices of children to develop and improve services.
• Leaders know the service well. They have a clear understanding of areas for development that are being appropriately addressed.

In January 2024 Ofsteds report lauds significant improvements in our childrens services. Praised areas include strong leadership high-quality support for families and children and positive outcomes across all criteria.

• The Executive Director for Children and Young People and his team are credited for driving these improvements with particular focus on enhancing workforce stability early help services and partnerships with stakeholders.
• Noteworthy practices include creative life-story work and culturally sensitive social work approaches crucial in a diverse borough like Lewisham.
• The Councils anti-racist practice network and safe space platform also garnered praise for supporting staff from black and global majority backgrounds.
• Overall the report highlights a commendable commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in Lewisham.

We are making progress but need passionate creative and energetic social workers managers and leaders to get us where we want to be.Could this be you

Whats the role

We are looking for a high motivated child centred Supervising Social Worker to join our in-house Fostering Support and Development Service supervising Mainstream and Kinship carers. Lewisham has developed a new Fostering Hub and this is an exciting time to join the team. You will work closely with the childrens social worker and other professionals around the child to meet the needs of the children in our care.

Whats in it for you

Excellent training and development opportunities plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What were looking for

Lewisham has a rich cultural value and if you want to work in a thriving borough and our social work vision connects with your professional values then we are interested in hearing from you. We are looking for people to join our team who:

• value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
• can inspire and motivate those they work with manage and lead
• are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
• are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
• work inclusively collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
• take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions
• are transparent are appreciative in enquiry reflect and learn.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House Catford London SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• To apply for this post you must have a degree in social work or equivalent qualification.
• Be registered with Social Work England.
• The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we dont accept CVs.

Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job please contact

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

42855 - 44862 per annum (SW SCP 31 - 33)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale) which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme further details are available at Council has a dedicated employment support service Lewisham Works which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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