Social Worker (Safeguarding) inCheadle inCheadle PUBLISHED TUE 26 NOV 2024

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, 17 bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services. We provide expert Residential care and Education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders and autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young people and the wider Seashell team.

As the Social Worker, you will work alongside the Head of Safeguarding/ Senior Social Worker to deliver the Safeguarding Development and Improvement plan. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, families and carers and the wider Seashell team, leading case work across the Trust for both our children and young adults. When required, you will provide support and training to staff, families and carers and people who use our service. You will comply to Social Work England professional standards to act safely, respectfully and with professional integrity. You will evaluate risk and protective factors to mitigate and manage case work effectively with safeguarding as the absolute priority. You will deliver projects and initiatives to strengthen safeguarding knowledge across staff teams and service user groups.

About us

Main Duties and accountabilities Leadership and Management Ensure that all actions and decisions take consideration of the impact on our children, young adults and families in accordance with Seashell Values. Acting as a role model for colleagues in terms of standards of behaviour, professional expertise and integrity. Work with internal and external multi-disciplinary professionals and represent Seashell at meetings and reviews as required, employing professional curiosity and professional challenge when required to advocate and secure safeguarding priorities. Support Social Work students on placement to fulfil the objectives of their course, through mentoring and guidance to ensure a supportive and professional experience. Quality Assurance and Governance Maintain timely and accurate recording of work undertaken in accordance with GDPR and case management procedures Prepare and produce high-quality professional written or digital documentation/resources in line with statutory legislation and Seashell policy and procedures Knowledge of managing, sharing and working with safeguarding data that includes third-party information Risk Management Compliance to Social Work England professional standards to act safely, respectfully and with professional integrity Adhere to Seashell policies and procedures Evaluate risk and protective factors to mitigate and manage case work effectively with safeguarding as the absolute priority Service improvement All work will evidence a commitment to the Seashell Trusts mission, vision and values You will contribute to the delivery of the Safeguarding Improvement Plan, supporting, facilitating and engaging in departmental safeguarding plans to fulfil the aims of the Safe at Seashell approach and a positive culture of safeguarding across staff and service user teams Learning and Development You will take responsibility for your own continuous professional development and use research, theory and evidence-based practice to embed best practice standards You will complete mandatory training in line with Seashell Learning and Development plan and safeguarding training matrix You will demonstrate a personal commitment to reflective practice, self-development and team improvement Safeguarding You will work directly with people who use our services and their families using a range of knowledge, skills and interventions in accordance with statutory safeguarding responsibilities to secure positive outcomes. You will build effective relationships to enable participation in assessment, planning, review and decision making. You will work in accordance with national and local policies and procedures, and use the law, regulatory and statutory guidance to inform practice decisions. You will provide evidence-based practice to support service users in all departments cross the Seashell Trust that is tailored to reduce risk and meet need. Measures of success A positive culture of safeguarding is embedded across the Trust Practice demonstrates integrity and compliance to the law Safe at Seashell is embedded and reflected in the professional relationships established across site and within the case work for people that use our services Additional duties and responsibilities for all To undertake any reasonable additional duties which you may be required to be undertake as requested by your line manager. Seashell Trust is committed to promoting an inclusive culture and safe working environment and embraces this through its values of Integrity, Innovation, Involvement and commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Seashell wants to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, that recognises, respects and celebrates its diversities and differences and ensures that individuals are not treated less favourably because of their protected characteristics in accordance with the Equality Act 2Safeguarding - Seashell, through its policy for safeguarding are committed to ensuring that children and vulnerable adults/groups have their health, wellbeing and rights protected in their work, learning, care and wider society. This runs through everything Seashell does and everyone has a responsibility to ensure this. All appropriate positions will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) All employment offers - subject to receipt of satisfactory medical assessment, validated and satisfactory references and DBS checks, any necessary overseas checks and proof of qualifications. All employees have a responsibility to keep their line manager fully informed of any health-related issues that may affect them undertaking their day to day role, once in role. Health and Safety - responsibilities for the employer and employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and associated legislation is in place to ensure a safe environment for children, children, colleagues and visitors No Smoking Policy - Seashell operates a no smoking policy in line with legislation and this applies to all staff, students and visitors. Environment Seashell is committed to engaging and working with staff to encourage environmental awareness, knowledge and participation to comply with or exceed the requirements of current environmental legislation. We seek to minimise the use of all types of fuel, water and waste management by prioritising the use of energy from sustainable sources, minimising water usage across site and reducing the amount of waste produced. We will look to apply the principles of sustainable purchasing and practice. Code of Conduct are set out clearly to guide on acceptable standards of behaviour in the workplace and outside of work, where behaviour outside of work may compromise the integrity of the individual or the organisation. Expectations of work performance, attendance, time keeping, reasonable management requests, appropriate dress code, duty of candour are clarified within performance appraisal and management processes. Confidentiality and Data Protection - All staff must maintain confidentiality of all Seashell information and follow Seashells policies and procedures, to meet the needs of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Data Protection Act 2and all relevant legislation and guidance applicable for their role. Any information gained by a member of staff in their role must not be communicated to other persons except where required in the recognised course of duty. Use of Technology Seashell will provide the necessary training on digital and computer technology that is in place across the Trust in order to deliver work and improve the quality and co-ordination of services, and to enable timely and accurate information and communication. Employee Engagement and Meetings - Seashells engagement, feedback and communication processes keep all staff informed and up to date about matters relating to their jobs and employment. Staff may also be required to attend appropriate meetings including staff development sessions and multi-disciplinary meeting. We encourage regular engagement in surveys and feedback opportunities to help influence and shape the working environment. Continuous Professional Development - all staff have a responsibility to continue their professional learning and development in the execution of their roles. Staff will be supported in this through a six month Probationary Period / Internal Transfer, regular Supervision meetings, Performance Appraisal and staff development processes. Professional Registration - all staff who are required to be a member of a professional body in order to fulfil their job requirement must hold relevant registration and must comply with the standards and guidelines of their professional practice, education and conduct. They must act at all times within the boundary of the code of conduct. Policies and Procedures - All staff are required to undertake an induction and familiarise themselves with the Trusts policies and procedures which can be found on our SharePoint page. You may be signposted to policies and procedures throughout the duration of your employment for example through probation period and subsequently in your supervisions which will be held on a regular basis with your line manager. Right of the Child - adhering to the guiding principles of the Convention of the Rights for the Child which include non-discrimination; adherence to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and the right to participate.