About the role

In Barnet we are looking for practitioners who are reflective, proactive, resilient and able to deliver purposeful social work to make a positive difference with our families and communities.  Whether you are newly qualified worker or a seasoned practitioner we don’t expect you to be able to support our children and families effectively without us supporting you. This is a place where you’re given time and support to develop yourself and your practice because our approach is different. Putting children at the centre of all we do means growing and developing you is, also, at the centre of what we do. We ensure that you have access to excellent training opportunities and offer reflexive and meaningful individual and group supervision opportunities to develop your expertise and confidence. 

About you

• In depth knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework and polices in relation to safeguarding children
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly in writing assessments and plans for young people
• Proven experience in demonstrating your impact on families in achieving positive outcomes for children and influence the professional networks that you work with.
• Innovative and positive engagement with children and families in their assessments and plans and a passion for delivery of high quality services and interventions to vulnerable children in partnership with a wide range of agencies.

Regrettably we cannot accept applications from those who do not hold recognised social work qualifications.

About Family Services

The aim of the Family Service is to ensure that all children and young people in Barnet achieve the best possible outcomes and to enable them to become successful adults, especially our most vulnerable children. They should be supported by high quality, integrated and inclusive services that identify additional support needs early, are accessible, responsive and affordable for the individual child and their family.

What we offer 

• A competitive salary including options to tailor this based on your needs and preferences which we are happy to discuss with you.
• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
• Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
• Modern purpose-built office based 5 minutes’ walk from a tube station and free parking!
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance
• Clear career progression pathways and excellent bespoke learning opportunities and training programmes

'In addition to a comprehensive suite of employee benefits, this salary includes a Recruitment and Retention supplement of 25% and an additional 17% of base salary if you opt for a lower cost pension scheme*.

*You are advised to seek independent financial advice before you take up this flexible option. Salary without this flexible pension benefit is £47,156 - £52,241. 

How to apply

Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Lakeisha Hicks, Assistant Head of Service on lakeisha.hicks@barnet.gov.uk , Phone: 020 8359 5715 and fs.recruitment@Barnet.gov.uk

If shortlisted you will be required to bring photographic ID to your interview to prove your identity. 

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.

To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds including from the LGBT+ community, genders, ages, disabilities, faiths/beliefs and candidates from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and remote working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.