Social Worker

*2 year fixed term contract*

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Children and Family Service for a Social Worker to join a growing Advocacy and Advice Service which we will be developing over the course of the next three years.

We are looking for a dynamic and practised Social Worker who is passionate about achieving excellence, coupled with the ability to drive change for neurodivergent children, young people and their families. If this sounds like you, you could be the person we are looking for!

This role is grounded on improving the quality and care for these children and young people, through providing specialist social care assessment and intervention supporting to the family as a unit. Experience of working with neurodivergent children, those with disabilities, or an understanding of specialist health settings is preferred but training will be made available to the right candidate. 

Benefits at Norwood:

• Workplace Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with confidence
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and Jewish festivals where they fall on a working day and work is not permitted (FTE)
• Employee Assistance Programme: We care about your well-being
• £300 When You Introduce a Friend: Spread the word and reap the rewards
• Free Eye test & Eyewear allowance         
• Access to ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme  
• Cycle to work scheme  
• Excellent career progression pathway

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively as part of an integral, multi-disciplinary team addressing the physical, emotional and social needs of children and young people who may be neurodivergent, as well as their families using the service
• Maintaining relevant knowledge and understanding of safeguarding standards, ensuring compliance with Norwood’s policies and procedures for promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as vulnerable young adults
• Meeting with children, young people and their families at the centre (or other community settings) or in a remote working environment (adhering to Norwood guidelines) with a view to undertaking comprehensive assessments of individual needs using a strengths-based approach, understanding the impact of neurodiversity, planning appropriate responses in partnership with children and young people and their families
• Working with statutory and other authorities and community organisations to the benefit of the families we work with
• Advising families we work with and support, on relevant legal frameworks, which may affect them
• Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating interventions in collaboration with families and recognising the changing needs/ revising interventions as appropriate
• Enabling those who we are working with and supporting to develop personal skills and strategies to improve outcomes in the identified areas in their life
• Writing reports, maintaining accurate and up to date records on the organisation’s case management system and attending any meetings or case conferences in relation to the children/young people, parents and carers to whom they are providing or have provided a service
• Liaising on behalf of those we are supporting with the Local Authority, the NHS, and other agencies in the public and independent sectors to improve outcomes for the family
• Supporting the child/ young person and their families with financial assistance applications when appropriate

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Social Worker Degree or equivalent
• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England
• Previous experience as a Social Worker either in statutory or voluntary sector Children’s Services
• Understanding of the multitude of needs faced by neurodivergent children and their families
• Sound knowledge of all relevant legislation, statutory guidance and regulations, specifically in relation to safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults
• Full clean driving licence, access to a car and be able to use for business purposes

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Practice Teacher Award 
• Other post qualification professional training
• Experience of working in the voluntary sector
• Experience of working in a Local Authority
• Experience of working with the wider Jewish community, including the Charedi/Orthodox communities
• Experience working with neurodiversity and disability

If you are interested in this role, please apply at your earliest convenience and our Recruitment Team will be in touch. 

Whilst the closing date states 6th December, we intend to hold interviews for this role on 4th and 5th December, and reserve the right to close this advertisement earlier should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Due to the high number of candidates who apply to our roles at Norwood, please note we can only provide feedback following an interview, if shortlisted.

We actively celebrate everyone's different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.