Introduction and purpose of the job:
The Referral and Screening Service operates as a single ‘front door’ for Children & Young People’s Services. Through integrated social work professional expertise and multi-agency intelligence, the service is able to rapidly assess risk and need to ensure that children and young people are rapidly signposted to the right help at the right time.
The service is led by a team of Screening & Referral Managers responsible for providing an effective safeguarding response to professionals and members of the public who are concerned about a child’s welfare and/or requesting services to meet identified needs.
The service is co-located with a range of agencies and works closely with professionals delivering services for children across the council.
The post holder, under the supervision of the Senior Research Assistant, will, through robust scrutiny and analysis of information held on a range of IT systems, assist in the timely and efficient processing of referrals, decisions, and actions. The post plays a key role in supporting the development of the service and contributing to the overall effectiveness of referral and support mechanisms for services to children in Hackney.
Main duties and responsibility:
1. To support the development of efficient ICT, data systems, and processes within the service.
2. To support the development and maintenance of operating procedures covering all elements of data input; data cleansing and other controls to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data.
3. To take responsibility for the maintenance of high-quality records and data and ensure that this is held in retrievable formats.
4. To produce, as requested, reports, handoffs, and briefing documents for the research analyst or senior management team as required.
5. To identify discrepancies in systems and information contained within systems and bring those to the attention of relevant managers.
6. To contribute to the use of management information to identify trends and unmet need and influence the development of the service.
7. To ensure database records are updated in a timely manner.
8. To take a key role in identifying and sharing information to support the management of risk.
9. Keep abreast of developments in information sharing, data protection, and IT and attend briefings as required.
10. Work closely with the service’s ICT department to ensure the security of the data and ensure Data Protection policies are adhered to.
11. Support the induction and training of new staff as required on the use of the database.
12. Manage the workload as directed, and organise and plan work activities taking into account the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and enabling rapid access to services.
13. Ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act and confidentiality policies.
14. Work flexibly in order to meet the demands of the service and travel as required.
15. To learn about local resources, facilities, and sources of support available to families and engage and communicate regularly and effectively with other agencies and professionals to support timely referrals for children and access to services.
16. To maintain meticulous records and prepare clear, concise, and informative written reports based on complex evidence within agreed timescales.
17. To take responsibility for your own professional development by actively engaging in supervision, appraisals, training, and research activities.
18. To contribute to learning across the organisation through sound analysis of referral trends and emerging risks supporting the best outcomes for children.
19. To have a basic working knowledge of the London Child Protection Procedures and the concept of significant harm and to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of children in situations of risk, and to report concerns as soon as possible using agreed procedures.
20. To undertake any duty as required, commensurate with the level and grade of the post.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
1. Experience of data input and database research activities.
2. Experience of maintaining and developing management information systems.
3. Literate and numerate to a level at which statistical analysis can be carried out.
4. Ability to contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of work done and outcomes achieved.
5. Confident use of the Microsoft Office toolset and the Internet and broad confidence in a range of software applications including email, web browsers etc. To be computer literate and in possession of the skills necessary to work with information management and recording systems.
6. Keyboard skills and an aptitude for entering data quickly and accurately whilst maintaining a high level of alertness to the quality and meaning of the information being processed.
7. Experience of working with relevant database solutions and the appropriate toolsets for analysing and manipulating them and proven analysis and innovative technical or problem-solving skills. Working knowledge of database design, structure, administration and associated tasks and responsibilities.
8. Ability to write data queries to enable the efficient and accurate extraction of data from the database in a number of formats and to manipulate and re-order data in ways to make it accessible to users.
9. Proven track record of planning and taking responsibility for a range of data-related tasks including managing high-risk deadlines successfully and working effectively as part of a wider team.
10. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to relate confidently and effectively with partners, members of the public, and colleagues.
11. Ability to work creatively utilising an analytical and methodical approach to solving problems, playing a key role in enabling an effective decision-making framework for safeguarding and support decisions.
12. Capacity to reflect on changing circumstances, new evidence and be open to the views of others.
13. Capacity to prioritise tasks, manage own workload and be accountable for records and contacts with and relating to children and families.
14. Ability to summarise, analyse and evaluate complex information for a range of audiences.
15. Ability to work as part of a team, establish and maintain effective communication and good working relationships.
16. Ability to work with other professionals demonstrating a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other agencies to promote an integrated approach and multi-disciplinary working in the best interests of children.
17. Reliability and integrity together with an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards staff, colleagues, and peers and the capacity to apply diplomacy and demonstrate resilience in a complex and demanding environment.
18. A keen interest in research findings and contributing to the development of best practice with children and families.
19. A good working knowledge and understanding of policy, procedure, and guidance in relation to children in need and at risk.
20. Capacity to share information about children verbally and by writing concise reports with other agencies in order to safeguard them and promote their welfare in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
21. To demonstrate through personal and professional example a commitment to equality of opportunity for all groups of staff and service users and to challenge discrimination, racism, sexism, and other forms of unjust behaviour.
If you are interested in this role please do reach out to me via email or telephone!
amberrayment@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
020 753 766 07
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