Senior Social Worker Kinship Team

We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Kinship service, supporting children and families through assessment, care planning and court processes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work with complex cases, contribute to high-quality assessments and play a key role in securing stable, supportive arrangements for children within their extended families.

As a Social Worker, you will:

• Manage a varied and increasingly complex caseload, including safeguarding responsibilities
• Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention
• Chair professional meetings with multi-agency partners, children and families
• Produce clear, evidence-based assessments, reports and case recordings
• Use evidence and research to inform decision-making and practice
• Support students and new colleagues, including acting as a buddy where required
• Take responsibility for your own supervision, development and reflective practice
• Challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusive outcomes
• Respond proactively to safeguarding and emergency situations

As a Senior Social Worker, you will additionally:

• Manage a complex caseload with a high level of autonomy
• Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues, managers and partners
• Model high standards of professional practice and caseload management
• Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony in Care or Private Law proceedings
• Participate in panels and contribute to decision-making processes
• Support team planning and contribute to service delivery
• Act as a Practice Educator for students and/or Newly Qualified Social Workers
• Produce management information and support service analysis

Kinship Focus

Within the Kinship service, you will:

• Complete detailed, analytical and evidence-based assessments of prospective kinship carers
• Produce high-quality support plans within required timescales
• Work to court deadlines and panel requirements
• Demonstrate knowledge of the child’s journey through court, including temporary fostering and kinship arrangements
• Apply understanding of kinship care legislation, frameworks and support options
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

About You

We are looking for qualified Social Workers who:

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England
• Have substantial post-qualifying experience (3+ years) within children and families services
• Have strong assessment and analytical skills
• Have experience working with complex cases and safeguarding
• Ideally have experience within kinship and/or fostering
• Are organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
• Can build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies

Additional Information

• You must have the right to work in the UK
• This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to attend the Civic Centre, Uxbridge at least twice a week
• Travel is required as part of the Kinship assessment role

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. 
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.  
  

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 5 years of Referencing