Children Social Worker (Experienced) (HAY BD C)

Job Purpose The Court Team is part of the Through-Care Service based in Ollerton but operates across the county. The purpose of the Court Team is to provide a service to children subject to public law proceedings. Section 7 and Section 37 reports for court are also undertaken in the team if the case is not already open within the department. Practice Consultant’s in the team also undertake pre-birth assessment on cases where proceedings have taken place before and where a Cafcass Plus referral might be made. Practice Consultants are Advanced Practitioners. These posts recognise the skills required to undertake work on many complex cases, undertake all identified assessments and progress care planning, as identified, within the legal framework. In addition they will be responsible for preparation of written evidence, attendance at court and instruction of solicitors representing Nottinghamshire County Council. The Court Team also provides consultation to operational teams on court work and there is some co-work with other teams in order to share knowledge, build up skills in court proceedings and to prevent delay. This may entail involvement in some pre proceeding cases in a PLO process. Key Responsibilities

1. To be allocated court cases in public and private proceedings. To provide all assessments directed by court and all evidence to timescales which assist matters concluding in agreed timescales and within a 26 week period.
2. To have experience in devising safeguarding and a full range of permanence planning options for children.
3. To be allocated as a co-worker to work alongside other social workers on a specific case: a. Where additional professional support and or mentoring is required to enable the allocated worker to effectively manage the case. b. Where a separate or independent social work assessment is required and/or to prevent delay.
4. To provide mentoring to social work colleagues in the court team and in operational teams.
5. To participate in relevant developmental work, identify training needs and take part in the provision of local briefings to staff or other agencies.
6. To maintain full, accurate and up to date records in accordance with departmental procedures to ensure quality assurance requirements are met.
7. To collaborate and develop links with colleagues from other statutory and independent agencies.