Social Worker/ Senior Practitioner (Safeguarding)

Do you share our vision for ‘One Kingston’ as one of the very best places in which to live and work? A consistently “excellent-rated”department, the Royal Borough of Kingston is offering suitably qualified Social Workers the chance to be part of a team that is well positioned to meet the current challenges taking place in Children’s Services.

We now have vacancies for social workers to join our Children’s Safeguarding service in central Kingston. You will join our highly motivated and dedicated teams ensuring children in Kingston are protected. We aim to ensure that staff have manageable workloads and can deliver the best outcomes for children. The teams cover all the aspects of children’s social work from investigation, assessment and analysis, through to long term planning. There is a strong emphasis on multi agency working.

You must be committed to making positive changes for children. You will have experience of working with children and families especially where there are safeguarding concerns. You will have sound written and verbal skills. You will be given full support for personal development, career progression and further training. Flexible working is promoted through the “9-day fortnight” scheme.

You will be a qualified social worker (DipSW or equivalent) with GSCC registration status and preferably experienced around assessment and child protection matters. Although the work is fast paced you will be well supported by experienced and supportive colleagues.

As part of a recruitment and retention strategy we offer a retention bonus of £1k to £2k /year to qualified Social Workers employed in the Safeguarding Services team, depending on length of service and payable after the first year.

Progression through the Social Worker career grades is based on competence, with the possibility of progression after 2 years post qualifying.

If you are a qualified Social Worker and would like to discuss joining the Safeguarding Services Team please contact Liz Pugsley Team Leader- Safeguarding for an informal discussion on 0208 547 6938

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Criminal Record Check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

Closing date: 19 February 2012

Provisional interview date: To be advised