Domestic Violence Social Worker – Stockport

Job Title: Domestic Violence Social Worker

Location: Stockport

Teams:  Services to People – Children’s

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: On going

Hours: 37

Rate: £38

Office Use:  0009 2802 / 1

Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of this role is to provide social work expertise and support where children and families are experiencing risks related to domestic abuse.

The domestic abuse team will work collaboratively with multi-agency colleagues from children’s social care, health, education, police, and wider community organisations, including IDVAs to support best practice in relation to domestic abuse where children and families are affected. The domestic abuse social work team will support the wider workforce in responding to situations where children and families are experiencing domestic abuse.

The domestic abuse team will contribute to a daily duty offer of support to the wider service, providing advice and support to ensure that the first response to children and families experiencing domestic abuse follows good practice standards and promotes safety. The team will also represent children’s social care in forums such as daily risk meetings, MARAC, and MAPPA, sharing information and contributing to risk assessment and safety planning.  The domestic abuse team will contribute to the development of wider learning and training opportunities for the wider service. The domestic abuse team will deliver the Caring Dads programme and will support the dissemination of learning and outcomes from this programme.

The domestic abuse team will contribute to the assessment of children and families where there are complex issues relating to domestic abuse, including so-called honour-based abuse, and forced marriage. The domestic abuse team will also lead assessments, alongside locality colleagues, in relation to female genital mutilation. The domestic abuse team will keep abreast of local and national policy and practice updates, with a particular focus on domestic abuse, to ensure that domestic abuse practice in Stockport Family is delivered in line with national and local good practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide an effective, coordinated response to children, young people, and families where there are concerns regarding risk of domestic abuse, honour based abuse, forced marriage and FGM.
• To have demonstrable knowledge of child protection, safeguarding children, early help assessment/team around the child and the care of looked after children and apply this to practice.
• To have demonstrable knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on children and families and have an ability to assess risk and support interventions to increase safety, using a trauma-informed approach.
• To complete investigations, assessments, draw up plans and review the progress of the plans in accordance with agreed and statutory timeframes.
• To work with others to secure the best outcomes for the children you are allocated to work with.
• To identify and secure the most appropriate service to support and safeguard children and families.
• To work as part of a team and within a wider integrated service to support and safeguard children.
• To keep accurate and timely records in line with local and statutory requirements.
• To ensure that service user views and the voice of the child is incorporated into all your work.
• To work dynamically within Stockport Family and with partners to identify pathways for support for children and families, using strengths-based principles
• To be a champion for Stockport Family and the principles of restorative approaches and of quality conversations, collaboration, and minimal points of transfer.
• To practice and promote a culture which places children, young people, and families at the heart of the service.
• To work in accordance with legislative requirements and local, regional, and national policy and procedures.
• To keep up to date with national and local developments relevant to the service area.
• To work collaboratively and creatively with schools, colleges, other Local Authorities, other agencies, the voluntary sector, and other groups to coordinate interventions for children and families.
• To understand and embrace restorative practice and a strengths-based approach to work with children, families, and communities.
• Contribute to the development of an effective and well-functioning team by using emotionally intelligent social work practice i.e., self-awareness, interpersonal awareness, self-management, and interpersonal relationship management.
• To perform any other duties that correspond reasonably with the general character of the post and that are commensurate with its level of responsibility.
• To work positively and inclusively with colleagues and customers so that the Council provides a workplace to deliver a service that does not discriminate against people on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
• To fulfil personal requirements, where appropriate, with regards to Council policies and procedures, standards of attendance, health, safety and welfare, customer care, emergency, evacuation, security and promotion of the Council’s priorities.

Ashberry Recruitment would ask that applicants meet the following:

• DIPSW or equivalent qualification in Social Work
• Social Work England registration
• Enhanced and in date DBS certificate.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to make good decisions based on information available.
• Can work alone and within/contribute to a team/multi-agency set ups
• Possess knowledge of service needs.
• Competent IT skills and be able to navigate electronic file/recording systems.
• Can write clear, concise, and robust assessment/reports/files.
• Have a flexible approach to work and working hours when the need arises

Why Ashberry?

• Dedicated experienced Consultant providing the ultimate support through your job search
• Friendly compliance team to guide you through the registration and placement process
• Provides your essential Enhanced DBS
• £250 Referral bonus

If you feel this is the role for you please get in touch as we would love to hear from you!