The Role
We are excited to be able to offer an exciting and unique secondment opportunity for existing Team Managers or those aspiring to take on a Team Manager role, to lead an innovative new project that Southwark have received funding for to support a team of 6 Social Workers based in Southwark secondary schools.
Following a successful application to the What Works Centre for Children’s Social Care (WWCSC), we have been awarded funding to participate in a trial that will place 6 Social Workers in local secondary schools this academic year. This exciting opportunity, funded by the Department for Education, will expand existing research on the intersection between education and social work and will test whether the placement of Social Workers in schools can reduce referrals to children’s social care and positively impact educational attainment. A Team Manager post has also been created to provide dedicated supervision and support for the team during the trial. This role would suit an experienced Team Manager interested to be part of an innovation project where they will be supporting 6 Social Workers in different schools as well as working closely with the What Works Centre as part of the evaluation of the project. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a Team Manager testing out a way of delivering Social Work support to children and families differently with a team based in schools. The work undertaken by the Social Workers will include assessments and statutory social work support and it will be critical for the Team Manager to be confident working systemically and with multi-agency partners.
An initial trial involving three local authorities found that the intervention appeared to reduce section 47 child protection enquiries in two areas, Lambeth and Southampton – and reduced initiations of section 17 children in need cases in the third area, Stockport. The initial pilot was also deemed broadly successful by the professionals, children, young people and families involved.
The funding is initially to March 2021 although the What Works Centre have indicated it is anticipated this will be extended by the Department for Education for the whole academic year.
This is great opportunity for a Team Manager interested in innovation, systemic working and relationship based direct work with children and families. It is a chance to learn more about research and testing evidence to work in the most effective way with children and families, schools. Leading this project will be excellent experience for those looking at moving in the future into Senior Leadership roles. The post holder will need to demonstrate a commitment to the value base of child-centred and family minded practice focused on improving lives as well as track record in leadership as this is role where the post holder will need to hit the ground running with tight timescales to start the project. There will be support to the Team Manager with direct management from a Service Manager and a project group around the project which includes Senior Managers and project support from the Service Development Manager.
If you are interested in this exciting role please submit an application by 8th November 2020. If you are interested to discuss the role you can email Helen.Woolgar@Southwark.gov.uk or Abby-Gail.McIntosh@southwark.gov.uk
Additional Details
As this role is a secondment opportunity, we will only consider applications from internal candidates that are current employees or agency workers on an active assignment.
Applicants must also:
- Must hold a recognised social work qualification.
- Must have a current registration with Social Work England.
- Provide evidence of continuing professional development in line with the Professional Capability Framework for Social Workers, to include either successful completion of ASYE year, or at least two years recent experience in a social work role within a statutory setting, working with children and families, and attendance to appropriate training.
- Hold or undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
- Fulfil an occasional requirement to work evenings and weekends as required.
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date - 11.59pm on the 8th November 2020
Interviews - 12th & 13th November 2020 - details to follow by email if successful at shortlisting stage.
SWC-INT
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