Fostering Outreach Worker (West Essex)
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £24,395 up to £31,131 per annum
Location: Harlow
Working Style: Community-based worker
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
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.
Job Purpose:
The Outreach worker (fostering) will support the stability of children's care arrangements, to prevent children moving foster homes in an unplanned way and maximise the potential for children to thrive and meet their potential in care.
The postholder will work directly with children in care, foster carers and supported lodgings carers to provide practical support and guidance and organise support groups and activities for carers.
This role requires an awareness of the impact of trauma on children's behaviour and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with both children and adults.
This role will require working flexible hours to support planned work outside of usual office hours and may require occasional unplanned emergency work.
Accountabilities:
Direct work with children:
* Undertake direct work with children and young people as planned by supervising social workers, mental health workers or others in the child's network.
* Attend other meetings relevant to the child as directed by the fostering manager.
* Ensure accurate records of all conversations with children and carers are kept and appropriately uploaded to the system.
* Work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary partners to ensure the safety and best outcomes for children and their families.
* Build relationships with the child through group and/or one-to-one work.
Direct work with carers:
* Participate in the training and support of carers, which may include providing parenting advice and organising carer support groups.
* Provide practical support to carers in their tasks of caring for children and young people.
Supporting the team and wider fostering service:
* Support the work of the wider Fostering Service, including contributing to the organisation of countywide fostering events.
* Participate in the development of specific individual and shared targets and objectives annually.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
* Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
* Experience of working with children and families.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Ability to manage own workload and time effectively.
* Hold a valid driving licence and car available for business use.
* Familiarity with children's safeguarding protocols and relevant regulations.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.
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.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email christine.simmons@essex.gov.uk.
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