Social Worker Family First Team

Title: Social Worker - Family First
Division: Children's Services
Grade: L7 - M1

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To work within a multi-disciplinary Family Help Team delivering early help and child in need services. The team includes social workers, family help practitioners, psychologists, police community support officers, CAMHS workers, adult mental health nurses, health visitors, youth workers, housing officers and voluntary sector partners.

You will assess children and families, analyse risk and need, and develop effective care plans. The role involves working closely with children, young people and families, completing statutory visits, parenting assessments and coordinating multi-agency support to safeguard and promote welfare.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assessment & Safeguarding
Complete high-quality, holistic assessments using the Department for Education guidance and Luton's Effective Support document. Lead multi-agency planning to address child protection concerns and children in need.

2. Statutory Duties
Undertake duties under the Children Act 1989 including care proceedings, adoption/permanency planning, risk assessments and investigations. Obtain and implement Court Orders and represent the Council in court.

3. Planning & Intervention
Create SMART plans aligned with the Practice Framework. Ensure needs are met through negotiation and collaboration. Promote anti-discriminatory practice and empower families.

4. Direct Work
Build positive relationships with children and families. Ensure children's voices, wishes and feelings are heard and influence planning.

5. Recording & Compliance
Maintain accurate and timely case records on Liquid Logic in line with GDPR and council standards.

6. Court & Reporting
Prepare court reports and witness statements. Work in line with Luton Borough Council policies and procedures.

7. CPD & Development
Engage in supervision, training and professional development through the Social Work Academy and Research in Practice.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid working (community, office and home-based).
Regular home visits (often lone working, risk assessed).
Exposure to emotional strain and occasional challenging behaviour.
Attendance at meetings across multiple locations.

CONTEXT

Luton 2040 is a vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable town where no one lives in poverty and children can thrive.

This role forms part of the Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme (Apply online only)), investing over £45 million into reforming:

Family Help

Child Protection

Family Network Support Packages

Safeguarding Partnerships

The new system includes:
* Multi-disciplinary Family Help services
* Specialist child protection response
* Greater use of family networks and family group decision making
* Strengthened multi-agency leadership

Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates