Children and Families Support Worker - North Essex
Fixed Term, Full Time
Salary: £24,395 to £31,131 per annum
Location: North Essex
Working Style: Community-based worker
Please note that this is a fixed term / secondment contract opportunity until the 31st of March 2025, with the possibility of an extension.
The Opportunity
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity, and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Support Workers work within frontline teams in conjunction with Qualified Social Workers to deliver bespoke, targeted intervention work, in accordance with the care plans, to vulnerable children and families.
This particular Secondment is part of a Department for Education (DfE) Designated Family Judge Trailblazer which is seeking to reduce the time children and families spend in court during care proceedings. The focus of this role will be working with families in the Pre-Proceedings stage of PLO supporting families to make the necessary changes and prevent the need for court proceedings.
Accountabilities
* Support social workers and occupational therapists to implement and monitor care plans, and write reports where required.
* Maintain high standards of professional practice contributing to continuous improvement across the service.
* Highlight issues and implement plans to safeguard a child.
* Build strong, effective relationships with service users, providing practical advice and support.
* Work collaboratively across the service with internal and external professional partner agencies.
* Provide information and advice in relation to accessing third-party agencies relevant to the needs of the service user.
* Participate in meetings, reviews, case conferences, and court hearings.
* Write effective reports for professional meetings and court.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential:
* Educated to NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent experience.
* Experience of building strong, effective relationships with children and families in times of challenge and crisis.
* Experience of observing, facilitating, and reporting on contact.
* Experience of undertaking direct, activity-based work with children and families.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of the issues impacting children, young people and families.
* Knowledge of legislative and policy guidance applicable within Social Care settings.
* Proven track record of working with partners and external agencies.
* A certificate in First Aid and/or knowledge of Sign Language.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond. A driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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