We are seeking a Senior Social Worker to join our superb Integrated Front Door (IFD). When you work with us, you'll literally be working with the best practitioners and leaders in the field.

We are an Ofsted GOOD children’s services provider with OUTSTANDING leadership.

About us

Our IFD in Wakefield is the Front Door for referrals into our Early Help Service and Children’s Social Care. We are a co-located service with partners from the Police, Health, Education, Domestic Abuse Services, CVE team and Housing. 

We are looking more ambitious and passionate people to join our IFD. You will help us strive to achieve the highest standards and make a difference to our district's children and families.  

Our social work practice with children and families is so important. It can be both incredibly challenging and hugely rewarding. The responsibility or working with families where the decision you make and the power of your influence can shape and change lives, can be difficult. You will have access excellent management support in your role. Regular supervision to provide an opportunity to reflect and inhouse bite size training / mapping sessions. 

Wakefield is proud to adopt a learning culture. We can boast as being an authority that "excels as a learning organisation" - as seen by Ofstad inspectors. Our in-house Learning Academy provides creative learning solutions to support learning and development. A dedicated learning academy website also means that wherever you are, you have access to a wealth of information, resources, and support for your role and situation.

How we will support you

We will support you in your practice and decision making so you never feel alone. Our culture of high support, high challenge providing our workforce with relevant training and learning to undertake great practice and creating space for them to learn from others and receive appropriate challenge to help ensure that the decision they make are right for children and families. The relationship you will build with families in the IFD will be central to the help we can offer and how they will experience and receive this.

What will be expected from me?

You will play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people in Wakefield District. You will be working with a small and well supported team led by engaging and supportive management team who are committed to making a difference to families within Wakefield.

What can I expect?

• Excellent Salary grade range: G10/11 Senior / Enhanced Social Worker (£38,296 – £45,495)
• This is a Full-time post of 37 hours per week with workplace based/flexible option available.
• 31 days of holidays plus 8 bank holidays.
• Excellent work life balance due to being non-case holding.

Why Wakefield Council?

• Free parking onsite.
• Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient Social Worker Staff need a good work/life balance as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace. Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required, Support for Carers, a Sense of Belonging.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Access to the Gym within the police station at a very small monthly cost.

Essential requirements:

• BA or MA in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent, recognised by the Central Council for Education & Training in Social Work.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum of 3 years post qualifying experience in front line social work.
• Experience of working with children and families as a qualified Social Worker.
• An ability to build strong relationships with, colleagues and partner agencies.
• An ability to write high quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.

For further information about any of the roles please contact Integrated Front Door;

Sarah Howe – sarahhowe@wakefield.gov.uk

Carl Renner – carlrenner@wakefield.gov.uk

Tracy Moss – tracymoss@wakefield.gov.uk