Social Worker - Justice Service, West Lothian Civic Centre, 501.54

36 hours per week (Monday to Friday), 52.14 weeks per year, Permanent

West Lothian Council reserve the right to close this post early depending on applicant response levels.

West Lothian Justice Service are recruiting for a Social Worker to support the work of the Assessment and Early Intervention Team.  This Team primary covers all Court activity which includes providing direct support at Court, Court report writing and with a focus on the national justice recovery agenda in relation to early interventions e.g.  Structured Deferred sentences, Diversion from Prosecution and Bail assessments. 

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

It is essential that you hold a BA in Social Work or other approved recognised Social Work qualification and are registered or eligible for registration with the SSSC.

You should also have a good understanding of the challenges of the client group and must be prepared to work with those who have committed violent and sexual offences. 

Experience of using LSCMI, SARA, SA07 & RM2000 risk assessment tools is desirable. Previous experience of working with this client group, either pre or post qualification, is also desirable.

Whilst this post is primarily based within the Assessment and Early Intervention Team, the successful applicant will also have an opportunity to utilise their skills within the wider Justice Service and will also have responsibility for individuals placed on Structured Deferred Sentences, Diversion from Prosecution and Bail supervision.

The successful candidate must have:

• Significant previous experience of direct service user contact in a Health, Social Care, or Justice setting.
• Ability to work constructively with difficult and challenging people using authority appropriately.
• Proven experience of working in partnership with other services.
• Ability to understand and work within legislative and procedural frameworks.
• Ability to communicate to a high standard in written and verbal form.

This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.