Job Description

Social Worker - 16-17 Homeless / At Risk Young People - Birmingham
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join Birmingham Children's Trust to assess and safeguard young people aged 16-17 who present as homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will ensure statutory duties under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 are fully understood, lawfully applied, and consistently discharged in line with the Southwark Judgement (2009).
Key Responsibilities
Assessment and Decision-Making

• Conduct timely, child-centred assessments under Section 17 and Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.
• Determine whether a young person is a 'child in need' and assess the need for accommodation under Section 20.
• Ensure young people are informed of their legal rights, including entitlements if accepted as a looked-after child.

Safeguarding and Planning

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including risks of exploitation, abuse, self-harm, or neglect.
• Develop robust child in need plans, care plans, and pathway plans, in partnership with the young person.
• Promote the voice of the young person and ensure meaningful involvement in all decisions.

Partnership Working

• Collaborate with housing teams, family support workers, health services, education providers, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Lead joint assessments in line with local Southwark Protocols, ensuring the local authority's legal duties are met.

Documentation and Legal Compliance

• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records documenting assessments, decisions, and rationale for accepting or declining Section 20 accommodation.
• Ensure refusals of Section 20 are fully explored, recorded, and reviewed.
• Comply with statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and The Children Act 1989 Guidance - Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers.

Advocacy and Rights Awareness

• Promote young people's access to independent advocacy.
• Uphold rights to care, support, and education, including access to leaving care services where applicable.

Person Specification
Essential:

• Degree in Social Work and registered with Social Work England
• Strong understanding of the Southwark Judgement and legal implications
• Experience working with adolescents at risk of homelessness or family breakdown
• Knowledge of child protection procedures and the Children Act 1989
• Excellent assessment, recording, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across agencies and manage complex cases

Why Work With Eden Brown Synergy?

• DBS check processed and paid for
• Referral bonus if you refer a colleague or friend
• Bonus for finding your own job
• Twice weekly payroll
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment

? Contact: Mayur Rabari - m.rabari @edenbrownsynergy.com
? Call: 0114 700 3804
Apply Today - Make a real difference for young people at risk in Birmingham.
Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.
Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.

Skills Required