Social Work Assistant

Social Work Assistant – Area Services Grade: GR3
Reporting to: Team Manager

About Birmingham Children’s Trust At Birmingham Children’s Trust, our vision is simple but powerful:

“Working Together to make Birmingham the greatest city to grow up in.”

As one of the largest children’s services organisations in the country, Birmingham Children’s Trust supports a diverse city of over 1.1 million residents and works tirelessly to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. With approximately 1,900 employees and an operating budget of around £200 million per year, the Trust is committed to delivering outstanding safeguarding, support and intervention services across the city.

We work in a city facing significant challenges, including high levels of child poverty and health inequality, which makes the work we do both meaningful and vital. Every member of staff plays an important role in helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Our Values

• One Team
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Quality and Innovation
• Relationships
• High Support, High Challenge

Job Purpose The Social Work Assistant will support Social Workers and Team Managers in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and young people across Birmingham.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality practical and administrative support, contributing to assessments and interventions, maintaining accurate case records, and helping ensure children and families receive effective and timely support services.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about supporting children, young people and families while gaining valuable experience within children’s social care services.

Key Responsibilities Casework Support

• Undertake an allocated worker role for specific casework, under the direction of the Team Manager or Social Worker.
• Support the delivery of services that promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Assist in implementing care and support plans for children and families.

Assessments and Interventions

• Gather, record and analyse information accurately using relevant management information systems.
• Contribute to assessments and interventions in line with statutory responsibilities and safeguarding procedures.
• Ensure the wellbeing and safety of children and young people remains central to all work undertaken.
• Provide practical day-to-day support to children, young people and families as directed.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
• Promote a joined-up and child-centred approach to service delivery.

Recording and Communication

• Maintain accurate, timely and evidence-based case records in accordance with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Prepare reports and documentation as required.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, colleagues and partner agencies through written, verbal and other communication methods.

Professional Development

• Take responsibility for continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, safeguarding guidance, policies, procedures and best practice developments.
• Attend and actively contribute to team meetings, supervision sessions and service reviews.

General Duties

• Support the Team Manager and wider service by undertaking duties appropriate to the role and needs of the service.
• Work flexibly as part of a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Supervision Supervision Received Responsible to: Team Manager

The postholder will work within established procedures and guidelines, with regular supervision and oversight from their line manager.

Supervision Given None.

Person Specification The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and child-centred practice.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Experience of working effectively with families, professionals and partner agencies.
• The ability to manage workload priorities and work effectively within a team environment.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Safeguarding and Compliance This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Birmingham Children’s Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Trust is also committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.