Team

Fitness to practise concerns are submitted to the team, risk assessed by triage team to determine if it is necessary to open an investigation. The key questions the team seek to determine at the initial assessment stage are whether the matter reported is sufficiently serious and whether there are “reasonable grounds” to start a full investigation. Members of the triage team determine whether there are reasonable grounds, within this they will consider whether there is likely to be any evidence to support the concern, whether there has been a breach of established standards or guidance, whether the incident is isolated or repeated and what action has been taken already to address the concern.

If deemed as a concern this is passed to the investigations team. The investigators will provide a copy of all relevant information to the social worker and offer them the opportunity to give a written response. At this stage further information will be requested to fully understand the case. Once the investigation has been concluded, a further response can be sought from the social worker or the informant if new or conflicting evidence has been discovered.

Purpose of the role

This role is key to the effectiveness of Social Work England’s fitness to practise function by providing clear and timely professional advice in relation to concerns raised about social workers.

Working as part of the triage and case progression team you will provide professional advice to support the robust initial review and risk assessment of concerns about social workers. You will also play a key role in the on-going assessment and review of fitness to practise investigations.

You will work collaboratively with the engagement team to identify, manage, and monitor concerns appropriate for resolution at a local level.

What you will do

• You will provide up-to-date and relevant professional advice as part of the initial assessment of concerns raised about social workers.
• You will assist the triage team with assessment of risk posed to members of the public following receipt of concerns about social workers’ practice.
• In appropriate cases, you will support the investigations teams to identify key lines of enquiry and to develop investigation plans.
• You will work collaboratively with other Social Work England staff and key external stakeholders to identify the evidence required to assess whether there is a case to answer.
• You will evaluate evidence gathered by the investigations teams, provide expertise to the investigations process and contribute to the regular review and risk assessment of fitness to practise investigations.
• You will work with the engagement team to identify and monitor concerns suitable for management and resolution at a local level.
• You will participate in the quality assurance of decision-making across the fitness to practise directorate.
• You will support continuous improvement initiatives relating to the professional advice function and decision-making processes.
• You will undertake any other reasonable duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Your skills, knowledge and experience

• A detailed knowledge, understanding and experience of Childrens and Families social work.
• A demonstrable ability to give sound, impartial and reasoned advice on professional social work issues, together with the ability to remain independent and objective at all times.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with a range of stakeholders and provide sound, impartial and well-reasoned advice to colleagues at various levels within Social Work England.
• Currently practising as a social worker and registered with Social Work England without restriction or adverse fitness to practise history.
• An on-going commitment to maintaining up to date practice experience, knowledge and understanding of social work practise.
• A demonstrable ability to apply their professional expertise and knowledge to the work of Social Work England in dealing with fitness to practise investigations and to work within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand the legal and regulatory framework within which Social Work England operates.
• An understanding of the Data Protection Act, the importance of preventing data security issues and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to establish credibility and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately without compromising quality, under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as across different teams.
• Strong IT skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, together with the ability to become proficient in the use of Social Work England’s case management system.
• A proven role model for respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity in service delivery.