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Fife Council’s Child Protection Team is a busy, dynamic, social work team that is responsible for undertaking joint investigations and joint investigative interviews of children and young people, working closely with our colleagues in area social work teams, Fife Police and Health Services.
The Child Protection Team works with children from 0 years of age up to 18 who are potentially at risk of significant harm, whether as victims or witnesses to violence, abuse, or a significant incident. Referral to the Child Protection Team is via Interagency Referral Discussion (IRD).
The Child Protection Team carries out all the Joint Investigative Interviews of children within Fife, along with Police Officers from Fife Public Protection Unit using the nationally trained Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM). The successful candidate may already be SCIM trained or they may be offered the opportunity to attend this training in the future. Further to the investigations and interviews of children, Child Protection Team social workers will also have case responsibility for children and young people and will complete initial assessments, carry out risk assessments, complete child’s plans and where necessary take measures to ensure children’s immediate protection, safety and care.
This can be emotionally challenging work; however, in taking forward the Scottish Government’s Bairn’s Hoose standards as a Pathfinder site, Fife is committed to trauma-informed support for our staff as well as our children. The Child Protection Team has supportive mechanisms in place from close team support, regular supervision, and wider organisational support.
The Child Protection Team is made up of 8 FTE Social Workers, a Social Work Assistant, 3 Senior Practitioners, and a Team Manager.
This Social Work post is a full-time permanent position, working 36 hours a week. The standard hours of work are 08:48 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. It is, however, sometimes necessary to work out-with those hours. The Child Protection Team is based in Glenrothes; however, travel throughout Fife will be required.
The Person
A Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) qualification is essential, as is registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.
You should have considerable experience in a relevant setting, with at least two years post-qualifying experience being preferred.
You will be able to demonstrate that your practice is trauma-informed, child-centred, and strength-focused.
You will have sound knowledge and experience of working with families in crisis, assessing risk, proportionate decision-making, and safety planning.
You will have experience of multi-agency partnership working to safeguard and protect children.
It would be advantageous if you are already trained to undertake joint investigative interviews using the Scottish Child Interview Model. However, it is not essential as there may be the opportunity to access the national training in the future.
You will have knowledge and understanding of both National and Fife Council Child and Adult Protection guidelines and information-sharing protocols.
You will be a reflective practitioner who is able to manage the demands of a busy Child Protection Team.
Before confirming your appointment, you will be required to obtain Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland and become a member of the relevant PVG scheme.
As this role requires SSSC registration, the successful applicant will have three months to apply for registration.
If appointed, you must start your application as soon as possible so you're registered within the required six months. More details are included in the role profile.
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