Family Support Worker

JOB PURPOSE To contribute to the delivery of an effective Children’s Social Care Service as part of a Departmental team continuously improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. To be responsible for providing practical and social support for children, young people and families. This includes contributing to care packages, recognising serious risk, promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and young people to make informed decisions and support family led planning.. To contribute to managing the reputation of the service and the Council, complying with national and service procedures and guidance.

MAIN DUTIES

1. Working with children aged 0-25. Contribute to ongoing assessments, care planning and reviews ensuring a child centred focus and empowering children, young people, and their families.
2. Undertake direct work with children, young people and their families in their homes and the community in a manner which safeguards and promotes positive outcomes in line with agreed Children Assessment Framework Plans, Children in Need and Child Protection Plans and Looked After Child care plans.
3. Promote and facilitate contact for children and young people, as required, with their birth family members, providing supervision and assessment in accordance with the Care Plan. Provide support with transport as required.
4. Identify and assess levels of risk and need and with support, deliver protective and/or supportive services for children at risk, in need and/or looked after. Take responsibility for reporting of risk properly through the line management structure.
5. Communicate effectively and confidently in a range of situations.
6. Undertake home visits and welfare checks and ensure children are safeguarded within the community, identifying risk, and reporting Safeguarding issues in line with Legislation and Policy and Procedures.
7. Provide emergency cover or crisis intervention including immediate tasks within the home to keep children safe and stay overnight to prevent the child/children being accommodated. Provide support with immediate needs such as shopping and fuel.
8. Support social workers during a Child Protection Enquiry which includes Section 47 enquiries and the immediate protection of children.
9. Advise and refer or signpost to other services, for example financial support, accommodation and welfare rights, in line with the plan.
10. Be involved and contribute to work directed by the family courts.
11. Support the involvement of children and young people in decisions affecting their lives and support them to make informed decisions.
12. Promote the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people through demonstrating an understanding of child development, emotional identity and self esteem. Assist children and young people to move and settle into a new home.
13. Working individually or as part of team.
14. Demonstrate inclusive practice in relation to identity and diversity, challenging any issues of concern.
15. Work co-operatively with colleagues and in partnership within the Council and across agency boundaries including statuary, voluntary and local community, and faith groups.
16. Entering and recording high quality information on the councils’ children’s database.
17. Provide support to qualified social workers within the team, including specific practical tasks and administrative support as required.
18. Prepare for and attend Performance and Development Reviews, supervision sessions and staff meetings and make use of all available learning and development opportunities.