- Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and to support families.
- Assisting colleagues in carrying out statutory duties and requirements.
- Contributing to the pod/team in actively planning for safety, permanency and stability for children and young people regardless of the setting in which they live and to actively support children to live at home safely.
- To develop a positive, professional relationship with children, parents/carers and professionals.
- Work in partnership with colleagues, parents and carers, ensuring that child-centred systemic practice is the principal standard and framework for all work undertaken with children, young people and families.
- When required undertake primary worker role to support families by leading S17 (child in need) cases identified by the Practice Manager. Taking responsibility for co-ordinating and managing these cases, ensuring a robust support plan is created in collaboration with the family and other professionals.
- Arrange, chair and review child in need meetings to ensure targets are achieved and child’s needs continue to be consistently met.
- Undertake specialist family work including contribution and support in parenting assessments, risk assessment and single assessments as directed by the practice manager. Where appropriate also undertaking parenting support and life story work.
- Undertake Private Fostering Assessments, ensuring the welfare of children subject to this arrangement.
- Undertake review Personal Education Plans (PEP), Educational Pathway Plans, (EPP) Pathway Plans, Special Guardianship Support Plans, Letter box contact arrangements and Careers Assessment where necessary.
- Take responsibility for children subject to Private Fostering Arrangements by undertaking visits as per the statutory guidance.
- If required attend court to provide verbal evidence of any assessment undertaken.
- Provide practical ‘hands on’ support, working alongside families where appropriate to help build relationships and model positive behaviours and attitude.
- Provide help and support to parents in understanding their own family functioning and its influence upon them.
- Actively engage in weekly pod meetings contributing to support the provision of focused and purposeful social work being undertaken with all cases. Supporting the case decision-making process and engages in a range of case management processes, case conferences, reviewing and contributing to reports.
- Undertake specific pieces of direct work with children and or family members individually and co-working with colleagues as directed by the practice manager.
- When required arrange and supervise contact between children and their families, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the child whilst facilitating an environment that allows for contact to be meaningful and positive experience.
- Keep up to date and accurate records using the child’s ESCR and within the City Council recording policy.
- Sound knowledge of the Children Act and Child Protection legislation.
- A knowledge and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Practical direct working skills with children, young people and families to advise, support, persuade and engage them in meeting their goals and potential.
- Ability to establish professional, effective working relationships with a range of partners/colleagues and children, young people and families.
- Educated to at least GCSE standard English and Maths or Literacy & Numeracy Award equivalent.
- Experience of direct work with children and families.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to construct written reports with a high degree of analytical thinking.
- Able to communicate effectively and professionally through written work with children, young people, families, colleagues and professionals.
- Always maintain confidentially.