Vacancies

Leeds City Council: Senior Therapeutic Social Worker

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

As a Therapeutic Social Worker, you'll thrive supporting social workers on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Your passion for helping professionals and families become trauma informed will drive you to excel in this role. You'll find fulfilment in working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, using your expertise to deliver high-quality therapeutic interventions and support. Your motivation to continuously learn and grow will be nurtured in an environment that values professional development and innovation.

It’s not about just managing cases or ticking boxes; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of children and families. As a Therapeutic Social Worker, you’ll be at the heart of transformative change, providing the support and interventions that help families thrive. Your role goes beyond the traditional boundaries of social work, allowing you to use your creativity and compassion to develop tailored therapeutic plans that address the unique needs of each family. This is your opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, professional growth, and the profound impact of your work.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Therapeutic Social Worker you will bring to the role:

Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
Additional knowledge, training or experience in relation to therapeutic interventions (Therapeutic Parenting, Developmental Dyadic Psychotherapy, Theraplay, Therapeutic life story work, Play Therapy, Creative Therapies etc) as well as experience and knowledge in working with families living with neurodevelopmental conditions (FASD, ASD, ADHD)
Confident in delivering therapeutic training, therapeutic groups, chairing multi-agency consultations, professionals' meetings as well as attachment and trauma informed therapeutic interventions.
Able to work systemically and offer high quality therapeutic supervision and support to wider professionals.
Have experience in working within Social Care and multi-disciplinary teams and able to devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans support that offer a multi-disciplinary formulation.

About the role

The One adoption multi-disciplinary team is a Health and Local Authority partnership Therapeutic team offering support to West Yorkshire adoptive families. The team consists of Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Therapeutic Social Workers, Early years and Education Specialists and Business support. We are embedded within One Adoption West Yorkshire and work closely with our partner agencies. The team works systemically, offering a therapeutic lens to networks around a family, helping to consider the impact of developmental trauma as well as the wider needs of the child and family. The team also offers high quality therapeutic interventions to adoptive families, through training, therapeutic groups, parental support and family-based interventions.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Therapeutic Social Worker to join our team. The MDT is an innovative team, and you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and knowledge from your health and Local Authority peers, as well as internal clinical supervision and external Developmental Dyadic Psychotherapy Group Supervision.

In the role of Therapeutic Social Worker, you will have the opportunity to deliver therapeutic training, courses and groups for professionals and families. You will lead multi agency consultations and support with assessing therapeutic need and formulating therapeutic plans, using a multi-disciplinary approach. You will work closely with our OAWY Social Care staff and offer therapeutic supervision and support. As a Therapeutic Social Worker, you will work directly with adoptive parents and adoptive children delivering high quality therapeutic interventions that are informed by developmental trauma theories, that also consider neurodevelopmental and wider needs.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Application, CV and personal statement

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Katy Graves, Team Manager (kathryn.graves@oneadoptionwy.leeds.gov.uk).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying.â€¯To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Special conditions Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive therapeutic social work service to children, their families and carers in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of One Adoption West Yorkshire and within statutory guidelines.

As part of the multidisciplinary team and in partnership with OAWY and partner agencies improve and develop current and future services and policies; promote implementation of assessment and quality framework and evidenced based practice and contribute to the development of capacity within OAWY and partner agencies.

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the OAWY’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the OAWY Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.

This is an experienced Senior Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk within the context of therapeutic need, and to provide specific casework advice, support and guidance to multi agency colleagues in relation to the interface between safeguarding and therapeutic work.

Responsibilities

To carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of therapeutic need of child/ren / young people, and their parents/carers. Using a child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
To provide consultation, advice, support and guidance on cases to staff within OAWY and partner agencies and to parents.
On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a child and trauma focused approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of child/ren / young people, their families and carers in line with procedures.
Responsible for analysing information to support the on-going needs of child/ren / young people, their families and carers.
To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.
To use a safeguarding framework, to make enquiries, investigate and manage risks where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence.
Maintain and update case notes and other records and write reports as required.
Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies, promote innovative ways of developing evidenced based practice and contribute to the development of capacity within the community.
Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures.
Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
To work to and within the prescribed Professional Capabilities Framework
Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
Participate in training and development activities that ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
To supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.
To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures
To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
To undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with Social Work England upon commencement of the post and maintain yearly registration. Practice Educator Level 2 on appointment.

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Skills required

Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.
Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.
Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
To innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work and therapeutic interventions in order to promote positive change and child and adolescent mental health.
Ability to devise, implement, review and evaluate services and therapeutic plans.
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach and/or systemically in complex cases.
Ability to exercise individual judgement and to seek and provide consultation where and when necessary.
Ability to negotiate the interface between safeguarding and the provision of therapeutic work for children and families/carers.
Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.
Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
Ability to chair multi agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity.
Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision, providing consultation and development of student placements to social work staff.
Able to lead and motivate staff.

Knowledge required

Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
Knowledge and awareness of mental health issues with particular reference to child and adolescent mental health.
Knowledge of evidence based practice in relation to therapeutic interventions.
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment.
Ability to work and engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.

Experience required

Experience of working within a Social Care environment
Experience of working with children/families in at least one therapeutic modality to promote emotional wellbeing.
Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
Demonstrate creativity in tackling and solving problems
Of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach
Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non-qualified staff
Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
Managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Specialist skills in the use of systemic assessment and treatment of individuals, couples and family systems and groups
Detailed knowledge of individual psychological development and family life cycle and the way in which these stages impact upon and are influenced by significant others.
Detailed knowledge of child development and attachment and the impact of trauma and early adversity on children and families.
Experience of providing systemic family-based therapies.
Experience of working with children and / or young people who have experienced trauma or early adversity