Social Worker - Children and Families Hub

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My Family, My Future, My Merton

“A place where Outstanding Children’s services are offered, where children and young people feel they belong, stay safe and can thrive”

We want Merton to be a great place for every child to grow up, and to give every child the best start in life. This has never been more important and we need to be even more responsive to new and emerging needs as a result of Covid-19, in particular children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. Our children's services have recently been judged Outstanding by Ofsted as we move towards the pinnacle of our high quality and standards of practice. Our Leaders and Managers are committed and focused on supporting our staff and families. We work well with our partners and are committed to making decisions alongside our children and families:

• We keep children and young people at the heart of our work

• We 'Think Family' and focus on the strengths within families

• We are committed to doing what we say we will do

• We learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people, and families

• We celebrate difference.

It is a good time to join Merton following permanent Service Manager and Heads of Service leadership team appointments. We have implemented a blended practice model which combines the best parts of signs of safety, systemic practice and relationship based social work. This gives social workers the flexibility to help families and allows for development and job satisfaction. We are committed to ensuring manageable workloads and regular, meaningful supervision.

Our new staffing structure provides clear career progression pathways and opportunities. We have established an academy to support students and newly qualified staff and we have exciting opportunities available within our brand new staffing structure within the Children and Families Hub.

The Children and Families Hub is the access point for:

• Consultation
• Family Wellbeing Family Support Service
• Children’s Social Care

The Children and Families Hub is the first point of contact for all potential safeguarding concerns in relation to children in Merton. You will work to strict deadlines, responding to referrals according to the assessed level of urgency. When a formal social work assessment is required cases are transferred to our Assessment and Intervention Team.

You will be well supported by experienced Team Managers and Service Managers. We welcome applications from a diverse range of professionals and encourage representatives of Black/Mixed Heritage and Asian Groups to apply to Merton in the interests of valuing and promoting diversity within our team.

Flexible working and job share requests can be considered.

If you would like any further information on this position please do not hesitate to contact Heather Smith heather.smith@merton.gov.uk