Social Worker – West London Synagogue (WLS)

Context:

West London Synagogue (WLS) is Britain’s oldest and foremost Reform Synagogue with an international reputation for excellence. We have approximately 2,800 members and provide a wide range of formal and informal Shabbat and festival services as well as a religion school, study and learning opportunities and youth activities. The synagogue is deeply committed to Social Care with an experienced team providing one-to-one and group support to the community in areas such as managing mental health, bereavement, serious illness, coping with aging and disability and loneliness. The synagogue is also committed to Social Action providing a drop-in centre for asylum seekers, night shelters for the homeless and many other services to help the most needy in our local community and beyond.

WLS is a lively, active, inclusive community of progressive Jews. Everyone is welcomed from everywhere and around the globe. We provide varied Shabbat and festival services, formal and informal alike, family services, weddings and High Holy Days. WLS’s goal is to provide an exciting and spiritually nourishing Jewish life for everyone of all ages and ensure there is something for everyone.

WLS has a Religion School for c 180 children aged 4-18 years on Sunday mornings and also shares its site with Halcyon London International School.

Role Profile:

As one of two qualified and experienced Social Workers in the Social Care team, the Social Worker will be responsible for providing a high quality and professional social care service to our members alongside a team of trained volunteers. You will be managing caseloads, delivering support, advocacy and advice to our members, ensuring their needs are met and that they are supported within our community in accordance with current legislation. You will also be responsible for contributing to the development of the Caring Community Programme and assisting with the training of staff and volunteers in safeguarding and mental health awareness.

The Social workers also liaise regularly with the Trustee(s) responsible for Social Care and Safeguarding.

Key Result Areas/Duties:

· To manage member caseloads and prioritise support where needed, ensuring the needs of members are met.

· To liaise with all the relevant parties such as families, local authorities, care providers etc and to identify issues as needed.

· To be the first point of contact for referrals.

· To carry out assessments as and when they are required.

· To ensure that the appropriate information is available to members who require it.

· To provide pastoral support and advocacy to members who require it.

· To maintain an up-to-date pastoral care list of members who require support.

· To assist in providing quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees on Social Care activity

· To assist, as required, in discussions with potential donors to Social Care activities.

· To be responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reviewing accurate records of all work undertaken ensuring recording information is accurate and up to date, and stored in accordance with Data Protection regulations.

· To provide outreach to younger members to inform and educate about mental health and facilitate access to mental health support.

· Working with other members of the Social Care team, ensure that there is adequate social care cover at all times, including for safeguarding, to support the members.

· To understand and follow best practice so far as all safeguarding needs are concerned.

· To work with other team members to develop good practice in supporting children and vulnerable adults.

· To liaise with and attend meetings where necessary with the Trustees(s) responsible for Social Care and Safeguarding

· To contribute to projects as directed by the Co-Senior Rabbis and Trustees.

Person Specification:

• Professional Social Work Degree or equivalent
• Social Work England Registered
• At least 5 years post graduate experience
• Experience of working with the elderly and vulnerable
• Ability to write reports to a high standard
• Understanding of all relevant key legislation
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and safeguarding legislation
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health
• Knowledge and understanding of the Jewish community in England
• High levels of empathy and understanding in complex settings
• Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills
• A high degree of cultural awareness
• Willing to work out of hours, ie weekends/evenings on the rare occasions they are required
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other databases
• Familiarity with Jewish rituals and traditions
• Fluent oral and written English
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have their own car

For more information and to be personally recommended for this role, please contact melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk

Code: J-02+