School based Social Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Purpose of the Job: Line Management As a Safeguarding Social Worker in a special school, your primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare, safety, and protection of pupils with special needs who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm. You will work collaboratively with school staff, families, external agencies, and other professionals to identify and address safeguarding concerns, implement preventive measures, and provide necessary support and interventions.

Principal Accountabilities:

Risk Assessment and Identification, in liaison with class staff and SLT Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities among pupils with special needs.

Monitor and evaluate pupils' safety and well-being, identifying signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other forms of harm. Collaborate with school staff and other professionals to gather information and develop a holistic understanding of each pupil's situation.

Reporting and Referrals Act as a mandated reporter, promptly reporting safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as child protection services or law enforcement agencies.

Follow established protocols for reporting, documenting incidents, and ensuring confidentiality while adhering to legal requirements.

Facilitate and coordinate referrals to external agencies or professionals for further investigation and intervention, ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils.

Provide direct support and intervention to pupils who have experienced or are at risk of harm, utilising appropriate social work skills and therapeutic techniques.

Collaborate with the MDT, psychologists, and other professionals to develop and implement individualised support plans and interventions.

Advocate for pupils' rights and ensure their access to necessary services, resources, and accommodations.

Responsible for line managing the Parent Partnership Lead on a day-to-day basis. Effective communication and engagement with students, their families and carers and other professionals

Ensure the safety of the child by monitoring and reporting all concerns and any changes to line manager, health professional or parent / guardian as appropriate.

Know when to refer information to line manager in line with school policies.

Maintain accurate records where required.

Listen to concerns; recognise and take account of signs of change in attitudes and behaviour

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child

Multi-agency working - Know the value and expertise you bring to a team and that brought by your colleagues Sharing information - Provide feedback, as requested, to the class teacher or other appropriate person to support the planning and evaluation of the learning process in respect of groups and individual pupils

Promote and sustain a suitable environment in which the child feels safe and comfortable.

Work within the framework of school policies. Undergo appropriate training and be passed as competent before carrying out any care intervention.

Assist with the supervision of groups and individual pupils as required.

Maintain personal and professional boundaries at all times. Understand your own role and its limitations and the importance of not providing care where you have not been trained or passed as competent to do so.

Collaborate with school administrators and stakeholders to develop, implement, and review safeguarding policies and procedures specific to the special school environment.

Ensure that safeguarding policies are in line with local regulations and best practices, and that staff and families are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Provide training and support to staff, families, and pupils regarding safeguarding practices, recognising signs of abuse, and appropriate reporting procedures.

Work in a team context forging and sustaining relationships across agencies and respecting the contribution of others working with children and their families.

Work closely with external agencies, such as child protection services, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, to facilitate coordinated efforts and ensure a comprehensive approach to safeguarding.

Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and case conferences to share information, discuss safeguarding concerns, and develop appropriate strategies and interventions.

Maintain effective communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders involved in safeguarding efforts.

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, confidentiality, health, safety and security.

Understand the importance of sharing information, how it can help and the dangers of not doing so.

Attend staff meetings, training days and management team meetings by agreement with the Headteacher.

Maintain accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns, assessments, interventions, and communication with relevant parties.

Adhere to legal and ethical guidelines regarding record-keeping, ensuring proper storage and handling of sensitive information.

Prepare reports and documentation for case conferences, court proceedings, or other relevant meetings as required.

Administration / other - Prepare and keep clean materials and undertake minor clerical duties Participate in the schools performance management process.

Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

Health & safety Be aware of and implement your health and safety responsibilities as an employee and where appropriate any additional specialist or managerial health and safety responsibilities as defined in the Health and Safety policy and procedure.

Your duties will initially be as set out in the job description, but this could be amended from time to time to reflect changes in or to the job.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Batchelors or Masters degree in Social work or related field

Desirable

• Social work registration

Experience

Desirable

• working in a multidisciplinary team and coordinating efforts with various professionals
• Experience working within SEN, CIN, CP & LAC

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Maritime Academy Trust

Address

Danecourt School

Hotel Road

Gillingham

Kent

ME8 6AA

Employer's website

https://www.maritimeacademytrust.org/ (Opens in a new tab)