Job Description

The Opportunity

For this role, you will be expected to demonstrate relevant theoretical Social Work concepts, practices and detailed organisational knowledge relating to the provision of a professional Social Work service.



You will need to demonstrate confidence in managing and leading staff to achieve performance improvements and service developments. This will include establishing regular individual and group supervision arrangements, mentoring, setting, and monitoring targets and objectives and balancing this with the development of skills and ongoing training.



You will need to demonstrate an ability to influence and negotiate partner relationships at management level.



The role will also require you to deliver an effective, customer focused service to meet defined performance indicators and business strategies.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:


Recognised Social Work qualification and registration with the relevant professional body. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, which will enable you to influence and persuade in relevant situations. Developed people and performance management skills to enable you to direct and motivate the team. Problem solving skills and be a decision maker. The ability to work under pressure and remain calm in a crisis. Experience of managing staff and budgets. Experience of working with children, young people, and families. Experience of safeguarding situations and how to respond appropriately. The ability to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the attached.

About us

Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. You will be trained in motivational interviewing, to support our strengths-based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.



We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.



For further information about us and about working in Children's Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit

Careers in children's social work in West Sussex

.

Further information

The reference number for this role is

CAFHE05863

.



For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Kimberley Showell (Service Manager) at

Kimberley.Showell@westsussex.gov.uk

. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact

kerry.joad@westsussex.gov.uk

.



To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter. In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our

application help

page.




Job Reference: CAFHE05863