Belmont Recruitment are currently looking for an experienced Social Work Assistant to wok with Stoke on Trent City Council on a temporary basis for three months initially. This is a full-time role working 37 hours per week.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with young people, preparing them to make the transition from public care. You will be liaising with their carers and relevant agencies to deliver an effective, integrated Leaving Care Service in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.

Main Duties:

• To promote young people’s physical, emotional and social welfare; promoting capacity to take responsibility for themselves and to act responsible towards others; promoting welfare: ensuring that needs relating to religious persuasion, racial origin, gender and cultural and linguistic background are actively identified and met. 
• To undertake a range of practical tasks that will help the young people achieve goals in key areas of their life, such as education, employment, health and accommodation.
• Working alongside qualified staff, who have case responsibility for the young people pre-18 young people, supporting, reviewing and implementing the Pathway Plan for post-18 young people.
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people and to support carers/families.
• To assist colleagues in carrying out statutory duties and requirements and to act as a key professional for coordinating support for care leavers.
• Work in partnership with colleagues, parents and carers, ensuring that child-centred systemic practice is the principal standard and framework for all work undertaken with young people and their families.  
• To take responsibility for co-ordinating and managing your cases, ensuring a robust support plan is created in collaboration with the young person, their family/carer and other professionals.
• Undertake review Personal Education Plans (PEP), Educational Pathway Plans, (EPP) Pathway Plans, and broker Careers Assessment where necessary.
• Provide practical ‘hands on’ support, working alongside young people to help build relationships and model positive behaviours and attitude.
• Provide help and support to care leavers in understanding their own family functioning and its influence upon them.

Essential Criteria:

• Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People’s Working or other relevant qualification.
• Sound knowledge of the Children Act and Child Protection legislation.
• A knowledge and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Experience of direct work with children and families.
• Excellent communication skills (written & verbal).
• Able to build and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children, young people and families.
• Able to communicate effectively and professionally through written work with children, young people, families, colleagues and professionals.
• UK Driver’s License with access to own vehicle.

If this role is of interest to you, please apply with your updated CV.