Rate of Pay: Up to ÂŁ39 per hour (Agency/Locum) Location: Blackpool Council, Children's Social Care (Complex Needs / Disability Team) Contract: Temporary/Locum
đź’ˇ Job Summary
An experienced and dedicated Qualified Children's Social Worker is required to join the Complex Care/Needs Team within Blackpool Children's Services. This specialist team provides statutory social work services to children and young people (0-18) who have substantial and permanent disabilities, complex health needs, and their families.
You will be instrumental in carrying out holistic assessments, coordinating specialist services, and ensuring children with complex needs achieve their potential and live fulfilling lives, whilst upholding their right to be safe.
đź“ť Key Responsibilities
Complex Assessments: Undertake comprehensive, evidence-based Child and Family Assessments for children with significant disabilities, complex health needs, and life-limiting conditions, in line with the Children Act 1989 (Section 17 - Children in Need).
Specialist Care Planning: Develop, implement, and review bespoke support packages, including recommending and commissioning services such as direct payments, short breaks (respite), specialist equipment, and adaptations in collaboration with Occupational Therapists.
Transition Planning: Lead on planning and coordinating the transition of young people with complex needs into adult services (Care Act 2014) from age 14, ensuring seamless transfer and continuity of care.
Safeguarding: Handle all aspects of safeguarding for this vulnerable cohort, including managing statutory cases, undertaking Section 47 Enquiries where abuse or neglect is suspected, and contributing to Child Protection Conferences.
Multi-Agency Coordination: Work closely and collaboratively with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including Paediatricians, Specialist Nurses (Continuing Care), Education, CAMHS, and the wider Local Offer services. Act as a key worker for families.
Advocacy and Parental Support: Provide information, advice, and advocacy to parents/carers, ensuring their needs (as carers) are also assessed and met, and that the child's voice and wishes are central to all planning.
Court Work (where required): Prepare reports and participate in Public Law Outline (PLO) and court proceedings relating to children with disabilities where necessary to secure their safety and welfare.
Documentation: Maintain timely, accurate, and professional records on the electronic case management system in accordance with statutory requirements and departmental policy.
âś… Essential Requirements
Social Work Qualification: A recognised Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent.
Professional Registration: Current and valid registration with Social Work England (SWE).
Experience: Significant post-qualifying experience (2+ years preferred) in Children's Social Care, ideally within a specialist Disability or Complex Needs team.
Legislation Knowledge: Expert working knowledge of the Children Act 1989 (specifically Section 17 & Section 47) and strong awareness of the relevant aspects of the Care Act 2014 (transition) and the SEND Code of Practice.
Skills: Proven ability to manage a complex and highly diverse caseload, excellent skills in analytical assessment, report writing, and engaging therapeutically with children and families.
Travel: Full UK driving licence and access to a car for travelling across the Blackpool area to conduct home visits and attend multi-agency meetings.
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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