Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the Wakefield district? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your professional judgement and decision-making can have an immediate impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Integrated Front Door (IFD) Team as an Enhanced Senior Social Worker.

About the Role:

The Integrated Front Door (IFD) is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and requests for support relating to children and families across the Wakefield district. As an Enhanced Senior Social Worker, you will play a vital role in ensuring children receive the right help at the right time. Working within a multi-agency environment alongside colleagues from Police, Health, Probation, Housing and Education, you will gather information, analyse risk, and make timely decisions to safeguard children and support families. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive service that is committed to high-quality practice, professional development and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Screen, assess and analyse referrals received by the Integrated Front Door.
• Gather information from a range of partner agencies to inform safeguarding decision making.
• Identify levels of risk and need, ensuring children and families receive proportionate and timely support.
• Provide advice, guidance and consultation to professionals and partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recordings and decision rationale.

What will be expected from me?

• To provide high-quality social work practice that places children and families at the centre of decision making.
• To work confidently within a fast-paced multi-agency environment.
• To demonstrate sound professional judgement and strong analytical skills.
• To build effective working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies.
• To contribute to the ongoing development of the Integrated Front Door service.
• To champion Wakefield's restorative practice model and values.

Essential requirements:

• Social Work England registration.
• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care.
• Practice Educator qualification or willingness to work towards achieving the qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and threshold decision making.
• Experience of working effectively with partner agencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Willingness and ability to successfully undertake Police Vetting

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary at Grade G10/G11 Enhanced Senior Social Worker (£44,253 - £51,928 per annum).
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability).
• Access to high-quality training programmes to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase your pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistance Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with a free 12-week exercise programme, discounts from a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme and many more.
• Regular supervision, management support and career progression opportunities.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Carl Renner

Tel: 01924 303456

E-mail: carlrenner@wakefied.gov.uk

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty. 

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.