Specialist Family Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

This is a bullet point list of the main duties or tasks that the post holder will be expected to undertake.

1. To engage with children and their families identified as at risk of entering the children we care for system or accommodated in one of Oxfordshires residential establishments.

2. To work closely with other professionals to deliver intensive, focussed and structured interventions.

3. To be responsible for contributing to the day-to-day operation of the home under the direction of the Manager/Assistants taking on appropriate responsibilities and ensuring that all activities are conducted according to current policies and procedures.

4. To undertake shift leading responsibilities.

5. To act as Key Worker.

6. To work alongside other professionals who are engaged with the family to provide a joined up service for children and their families/carers, other professionals and agencies.

7. To work within services which are planned and delivered in a way that maximises the participation of children, respects their rights, and is responsive to their wishes and views, alongside the allocated case holders.

8. To plan and deliver appropriate interventions which provide support and vision to a family which prevent breakdown in relationships, providing a consistent approach to meeting childrens needs, and demonstrating self-awareness and reflective practice.

9. To develop groups for children, or their parents and carers which allows for fuller exploration and resolution techniques of issues they may face.

10. To contribute to the continuous improved performance and to support inspections, performance assessments and best value processes.

11. To assist in the development of the service and the team, and to promote the needs of children by participating in various forums and planning groups.

12. To be an active participant in and make a positive contribution to the regular staff/individual childrens meetings.

13. To ensure that accurate, regular and confidential records of work undertaken with the young people are maintained in accordance with Management directions and current policies. This includes maintaining well ordered casework and administrative records and producing reports to agreed deadlines.

14. To have a good understanding of Childrens Homes Regulations and quality Standards, supported by the Assessment and Residential Handbook, and be able to support colleagues on matters of policy and practice.

15. To ensure effective communication systems operate, enabling information to be available to all staff whatever their work patterns, including formal handover procedures.

16. To participate in maintaining a positive public relations image ensuring all complaints/issues are handled quickly, effectively and sensitively and within County guidelines.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of work in the community with vulnerable families.
• Some experience of working with adults with mental health needs.
• Detailed knowledge of child development.
• Experience of Social work in related fields.

Desirable

• Experience of working in both family and residential settings with children and carers.
• Experience of using validated assessment measures.

Qualifications

Essential

• Commitment to working towards or Successful completion of Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake required therapeutic training
• Awareness of Childrens Rights Issues
• Awareness of the 5 key outcomes for Children and Young People

Desirable

• Diploma in Childcare or other relevant qualification attached to working with children or young people and families
• Training in focused and structured working theories/practices
• Proven academic ability e.g. GCSEs

Job related aptitude and skills

Essential

• Time management skills
• Good Assessment skills
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to form positive working relationships with a range of colleagues across agencies
• Ability to write reports for children and their families
• Ability to work independently but also to offer flexible support to colleagues when needed

Desirable

• Ability to cope with competing pressures
• ICT skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxfordshire County Council

New Road

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)