Arden Multi Academy Trust is a family of six schools comprising: Arden Academy (Knowle), Dorridge Primary School (Dorridge), Coppice Academy (Solihull), Lode Heath School (Solihull), Park Hall Academy (Castle Bromwich) and Henley-in-Arden School (Henley-in-Arden).  As a Trust we truly value the success of every child and we place the sharing of excellent education practice at the core of our values.  We are committed to improving the quality of education and life in for all our students.  The Trust operates from its hub in Knowle, to the south of Solihull.  

Hours of work: Full Time hours are Monday – Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm and Fridays 8.30am – 4.00pm (including 30 minutes unpaid daily lunch break).  Flexibility around these hours may be required, due to the nature of the role.  

Part time hours will be considered.

Arden Multi Academy Trust is looking to appoint an experienced Social Worker to strengthen the support we provide for vulnerable children, young people and families across our secondary schools.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a role that is different from a traditional local authority social work post. You will be based within a Multi Academy Trust, working closely with school leaders, Designated Safeguarding Leads, pastoral teams, SENCOs, attendance leads and external agencies. Your work will help schools identify need earlier, respond more effectively to risk and vulnerability, and provide more joined-up support for children and families.

The purpose of the role is to provide a high-quality social work service that promotes the welfare, safety, inclusion and life chances of children and young people. You will support schools to understand the lived experience of the child, strengthen family engagement, and help ensure that the right support is in place at the right time. The role will include assessment, planning, advice, multi-agency working, family support, safeguarding guidance and contribution to wider Trust practice.

Key responsibilities include: 

• providing timely, appropriate and proportionate support to children, young people and families across the Trust
• working with schools to identify children and families who may need early help, social work support, safeguarding intervention or multi-agency involvement
• advising Designated Safeguarding Leads and senior leaders on safeguarding, thresholds of need, risk and family support
• undertaking assessments of children, young people and family need, using appropriate social work frameworks and professional judgement 
• supporting schools with referrals to children’s social care, early help, family support services and other external agencies
• contributing to child protection conferences, strategy discussions, core groups, child in need meetings and other multi-agency processes 
• developing and reviewing action plans based on the assessed needs of children, young people and their families
• ensuring that the child’s voice is heard, recorded and reflected in assessment, planning and decision-making
• maintaining high-quality records, reports and written advice in line with Trust safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures
• contributing to Trust-wide safeguarding, attendance, inclusion and family support practice

We are looking for a qualified social worker with Social Work England registration, or pending registration, and significant experience of working with children, young people and families. You will have a sound understanding of safeguarding, child development, relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children. Experience of statutory social work, Signs of Safety, attachment-informed practice or practice education would be an advantage.

You will need to be confident, reflective and organised, with strong communication and relationship-building skills. You will also need to be able to work sensitively with families, support schools with complex situations, and make evidence-based professional judgements.

This is an essential car user post. Applicants must be able to drive, hold a driving licence and have access to a suitable vehicle, although reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.  Business Use car insurance will be required.

 Qualifications Required:

• Degree in Social Work
• Current registration with Social Work England or working towards
• Relevant Safeguarding and Child Protection qualifications 

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification provided for full details.

 In return we can offer you:

·         A positive and innovative working environment surrounded by students, staff, parents and governors 

·         A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Free annual flu jabs (optional)
• The opportunity to share ideas as part of a Multi Academy Trust

Further information about Arden Multi Academy Trust is available here:

https://www.ardenmat.org.uk/

You will be asked to include a supporting statement outlining how your experience, knowledge, skills and abilities equip you for the post and how they meet the requirements of the Person Specification. 

Please also outline your preferences for either a full-time position or part time.

CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines.

Arden Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.