Ascension Island - Social Worker

Job responsibilities

• Through a referral process, provide assessment and support for Children with support needs and Adults at Risk.
• Complete Safeguarding enquiries in accordance with the Child Welfare Ordinance, (2011) and local Child Safeguarding Procedures.
• Manage a caseload of clients, maintaining comprehensive and timely recording of interventions.
• Build and maintain a high standard of proactive multi-agency working with statutory agencies i.e. Health, School, Police and Social Care in other geographical locations.
• Undertake joint investigations with the police and assist with Achieving Best Evidence interviews.
• Build on previous work undertaken and continue to develop the relatively new Social Work role on Island to meet the specific needs of the community.
• Take appropriate action in conjunction with other agencies, within the legal and statutory framework, including Working Together, (2018).
• As appropriate, liaise with overseas agencies when individuals who require further support are leaving Ascension and lead on any transition between locations.
• Be responsible for the agenda and preparatory documents for the Ascension Island Safeguarding Children Board. Advising AIG on policy and procedure, areas of future work, writing policy and procedure as necessary.
• Maintain the supervisory and regulatory function of registered Child Minders and provide support, advice and training to this group as required.
• Maintain a supervisory and regulatory function to anyone volunteering with children or vulnerable groups.
• Depending on experience and skills, to provide regular, structured training programmes, particularly in areas of Safeguarding, Mental Health and Domestic Violence to key stakeholders in the Ascension community.
• Depending on experience and skills, provide structured training and proactive support to Mental Health First Aiders, Domestic Violence Champions and Organisational Welfare Leads.
• Depending on experience and skills, and in collaboration with the hospital, to provide a distinct Social Work therapeutic function, supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties, trauma, substance use, family difficulties and other emotional difficulties.
• Run specific, structured Social Work outreach clinics at the school, hospital and island wide organisations as appropriate.
• To assist the Court as periodically directed, in providing Pre Sentence reports as required (training can be provided).
• To run appropriate Safeguarding publicity campaigns in the local media and directly with employees and parents.
• Maintain a proactive presence within the school and hospital, building positive relationships with staff and pupils.
• To demonstrate a consistently high standard of practice that is child/person centred and puts the needs of vulnerable groups at the forefront of all activity.
• To actively promote anti-discriminatory practice and the celebration of diversity. Challenge injustice, discrimination and lack of access to services within a local context.
• To ensure a high standard of case recording and able to ensure reports and statements for Court and case conferences are prepared to a high standard, adhering to deadlines.
• Liaise effectively with stakeholders on the island across a broad range of Safeguarding issues, providing advice and support as required.
• To work with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and other UK Overseas Territories to deliver specific and wide-ranging initiatives.
• The role holder may be required to work occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays, in order to meet service user needs.
• To carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of this job description and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications

Essential

• Social Work England (SWE) recognised Social Work qualification and current SWE registration or equivalent.
• Disclosure and Barring Check, this post is classed as working within regulated activity or involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the Disclosure and Barring Service as part of the Ascension Island Government pre-employment checks. If you are invited to an interview you will receive more information.
• Special Requirements, as a requirement of this role the post holder will need to have a full current driving licence. You will be required to travel to visit clients in their homes, workplaces and to attend meetings at sites other than your own work base.

Desirable

• Counselling/Psychotherapy qualification.
• Mental Health First Aider (or willingness to complete training).
• Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Training (or willingness to complete).
• Trained in Achieving Best Evidence.
• Experience of delivering training to key stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to the development of Social Work polices including the writing and management of such policies.
• Experience of providing reports to Court as appropriate.
• Experience working in a role where adult and children child protection is the primary focus.
• Knowledge and experience of supporting people with mental health issues.
• Experience of supporting people with alcohol issues.
• Experience of living and working in small communities.
• Experience of developmental roles.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of applying UK social care legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice in professional practice. This may have been gained through working within a UK social care setting, or through equivalent international experience where UK frameworks have been applied.
• Significant post qualification experience including a broad range of direct Social Work and client groups, including both children and adults.
• Experience of providing therapeutic interventions to individuals and groups.
• 2 years experience working with child protection.
• Ability to take a community-based approach accounting for the specific context of the Social Work role on the island.
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary context.
• A good understanding of equality issues and the ability to challenge issues arising.
• Insight of the pressures of working in a small community, and an understanding of professional behaviour in that context.
• An understanding of the intergenerational trauma within postcolonial communities.
• Be able to present expert advice to the Safeguarding Children Board and drive changes required from that forum.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and organisations (including the ability to deliver Safeguarding and other training).
• Systemic and adaptive approach to work.
• Flexible approach, able to think creatively in meeting the needs of clients given the limited resources available on island.
• Personally and professionally resilient.
• Highly motivated and ability to work autonomously.
• A Proficient user of Microsoft Office.
• Full clean and current driving licence.