This is an exciting opportunity for those wishing to progress their social work career and widen their professional experience and knowledge.

We are looking for a Social Worker who has experience of working with children and young people who are Children in Need, are subject to Child Protection Plans and/or Children/Young people who are Looked After. 

The Disabled Children’s Team works with children, young people and their families across the Calderdale district. 

We are proud of being a multi-agency team and the Team comprises of Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, an OT Assistant, a Family Link Co-ordinator, as well as our close working relationship with the Learning Disability Nurses. As part of Calderdale’s All Age Disability Service we have strong links with colleagues in Adult Services, the SEN Team and other specialist children’s teams such as the Specialist inclusion service. 

As part of this role, you will develop a good understanding around the duties and responsibilities of social care professionals, who work with Children and Young People who are SEND.

We actively promote the team as a learning environment which ensures quality standards are maintained and we are up to date with, and responsive to, new developments that impact upon the lives of disabled children and their families.  

Our Vision for Calderdale in 2024 is a place where everyone can reach their potential and lead a larger life. We will be defined by our innate kindness and resilience and be measured by how our people and communities care and support each other.

In our 2019 Inspection, Ofsted stated that “we have created a culture in which staff feel valued and safe. Social work is flourishing. It is evident across all levels of social care that all staff are treated with dignity and kindness. This approach has created an environment in which social workers feel listened to and supported to develop their skills and knowledge.”

Ofsted undertook a focussed visit in May 2023. Ofsted said we are delivering good services despite all the national challenges for children’s services. All social workers who met with inspectors are very positive about working for Calderdale. They feel well supported by managers who are available and who provide consistent and helpful formal and informal supervision. Workers spoken to report effective support by their managers and teams, which enables them to feel safe in their practice. 

Our Safe Successful Families approach to our children and family social work has transformed our children’s social work teams by introducing a systemic approach to working collaboratively with children and families, colleagues, and partners.  We promote practice reflection and understand the importance of learning, both as individuals and as an organisation.  We use a shared set of values, a common language, and a consistent approach

You will have a Social Work Qualification a full driving licence including access to a car and be registered with Social Work England. To be successful you must be able to demonstrate experience within statutory children’s service; some experience of court work would be desirable.

The post holder will be supported to provide the very best service for our Disabled children and young people in Calderdale. Quality reflective supervision is provided and there is a strong learning culture within the service. We are committed to maintaining caseloads at an appropriate level, which ensures practitioners are given the opportunities to work effectively and robustly. 

Calderdale provide a generous annual leave scheme of up to 36 days plus bank holidays for those who have 5 years or more local authority continuous service.

To arrange an informal discussion please contact: Alex Greenwood, Disabled Children’s Team Manager 01422 394091 or email at alexandra.greenwood@calderdale.gov.uk  

Calderdale is a place where you can make a difference. For a full list of benefits please see our Application Booklet.

Calderdale will reimburse the post holders professional membership, annually.

Closing Date: 7th April 2024
Interview  19th April 2024

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff.

All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date, an early submission is advised.