At Mikare, we are committed to delivering high-quality residential family assessments that place children at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated team works collaboratively with families and professionals to provide robust, evidence-based assessments that support informed decision-making and promote the best possible outcomes for children.
We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and motivated Assessing Social Worker to join our team at Ashcombe House, our Residential Family Assessment Centre.
About the Role
As an Assessing Social Worker, you will play a key role in completing comprehensive parenting and family assessments for families residing at Ashcombe House. Working within the National Minimum Standards (2013), you will gather, analyse and interpret information to produce high-quality assessments that inform care planning and court proceedings.
Managing a caseload of up to three families, you will work closely with our Social Work Assistants, Family Support Workers and wider multidisciplinary team to ensure assessments are thorough, balanced and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Complete evidence-based parenting and family assessments throughout residential placements.
- Manage a caseload of up to three families.
- Produce high-quality interim and final assessment reports with clear analysis and professional recommendations.
- Prepare, co-work and quality assure weekly summary reports, identifying progress, safeguarding concerns and action plans.
- Work collaboratively with Social Work Assistants and Family Support Workers to ensure observations and recordings contribute effectively to assessments.
- Build positive, supportive relationships with families while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Provide advice and guidance to parents to promote positive parenting and strengthen family functioning.
- Monitor safeguarding concerns, contribute to ongoing risk assessments and take appropriate action to protect children.
- Liaise effectively with Local Authority Social Workers, Solicitors, Children's Guardians, Health Professionals and other partner agencies.
- Chair Placement Planning Meetings and attend Child Looked After Reviews, Core Group Meetings and other multi-agency meetings.
- Represent Mikare and Ashcombe House in Family Court proceedings across England and Wales where required.
- Complete Viability Assessments when instructed.
- Attend discharge planning meetings, outreach visits and family time observations as part of the assessment process.
- Support the Registered Manager through reflective supervision, service development and the continuous improvement of assessment practice.
- Participate in the management and social work on-call rota.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working with children and families within safeguarding, child protection or assessment services.
- Excellent analytical, assessment and report-writing skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to remain objective while supporting families through assessment.
- Experience of multi-agency working and representing professional recommendations confidently.
- A commitment to child-centred, evidence-based practice.
- A flexible approach and willingness to travel across England and Wales when required.
Why Join Mikare?
At Mikare, we recognise that our people are at the heart of the work we do. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and reflective working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally and contribute to continuous service improvement.
By joining our team at Ashcombe House, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families while working alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality assessments and outstanding practice.
If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise can have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
