* Category: Care - Children and Young People
* Contract type: Secondment
* Working hours: 36 hours per week
* Posted on: 12 February 2025
Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This role has a starting salary of £32,512 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
We are excited to be hiring two new Family Support Workers to join our fantastic Assessment team based in Weybridge. Our team has a positive and supportive culture where children and high standards of practice are at the heart of all we do.
The positions available:
* 1 x Full-time secondment until September 2025 (with potential to extend)
* 1 x Full-time, 18-month secondment opportunity
Rewards and Benefits
* 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The Assessment Service is responsible for assessing the needs of children who have been referred via the CSPA / MAP and where they are deemed to be children in need or children requiring protection. The team is vital to assessing the needs of children and families, to ensure children remain safeguarded and protected from harm. This role is integral in supporting Social Workers in their work with families and in ensuring that the right support and intervention is provided to families when needed.
This particular role will support direct work with expectant mothers and fathers helping them to mentally prepare for the arrival of their baby, assisting Social Workers in their decision-making process for unborn children. Family Support Workers often provide interventions and support during the Child and Family process, with the goal of preventing families from having to transfer to other statutory services. Working both independently, and as part of the wider team, you will ensure plans are adhered to and families receive the best level of support.
Additionally, you will assist on duty, supporting Social Workers with contact work, gathering relevant information, and helping complete administrative tasks to ensure families can conclude their journey with a Social Worker in a timely manner. You will undertake direct work with children, parenting, and potentially group work, working in partnership and using your skills to engage with children in a meaningful way.
This is a varied and challenging role but one which is hugely important to the Assessment service and has real social impact. Surrey Children's Service provides training to ensure competence and professional development. We will ensure that you receive a full induction and monthly supervision.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
* Achievement of Vocational Qualifications Level 3/4, or equivalent in relevant fields
* Understanding of relevant legislation affecting working with Children, including The Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act (2014)
* Experience of working with children and young people and able to show us how this work has resulted in positive outcomes
* Good written and verbal communication skills
* A commitment to working with children to improve the quality of their lives
* The ability to plan, manage, and prioritise a caseload
* The ability to work effectively and flexibly as part of a team and a willingness to provide guidance and assistance to less experienced or more junior members of staff.
* Ability to engage with families, carers and children, as well as support Social Workers in managing risk and effecting positive change
Whilst based in the North East area, this role will involve travel across other parts of Surrey as required, which will include the South East areas.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Paul Cooke via email at paul.cooke@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 5th March 2025 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application; please click on the apply online button below to submit.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
* The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application.
* The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form.
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
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