Main Purpose of the job: To work collaboratively with young people and their families to provide focused support to families to improve outcomes, address challenges, reduce risks to children and to enable families to make and sustain change.
To build trusting relationships with children, young people and families and extended family members/friends/communities to build sustainable change within stronger family networks, helping to alleviate their social isolation and increase capacity.
To work alongside families to prevent needs from escalating to the point where statutory services are needed and/or to reduce the risk of family breakdown and children/young people coming into care.
To undertake and contribute to assessments and plans for children and their families in line with practice frameworks and in a way that avoids duplication and promotes holistic, and family led planning.
To work alongside partner agencies as part of a multi-disciplinary Team Around the Family ensuring that each service is contributing to achieving the best outcomes for children and their families.
To develop and implement effective evidenced based interventions which are grounded in principles of professional curiosity, anti-oppressive practice and systemic approaches with individuals, groups or a family in a range of settings, including community and youth settings, streets and estates, schools and in the family home according to the needs of the family.
To develop and implement effective evidenced based work, including in the home, and on an individual or a group basis in flexible and creative ways through a variety of interventions, engaging with young people and families according to the needs of the family.
Knowledge: An excellent working knowledge of relevant legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014, Children's Act 1989 & 2004, London Safeguarding Children Procedures, 'Working Together'; Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their families; Care Standards 2000, The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011, Equality Act 2010 (other country equivalents may apply)Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary services in supporting familiesA sound knowledge and application of Safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adultsA good knowledge and understanding of child development and the needs of childrenSignificant knowledge and understanding of issues affecting children/young people and their families, particularly the impact of social and economic disadvantage and multiple disadvantages on motivation, culture, confidence and progression through education employment and training.Knowledge of whole family approach and solution focused practice.Knowledge of a wide range of methods used to develop personal, social, and educational, mental health capabilities in children/young people and families to empower them and facilitate improved life outcomes.Understanding of national and local developments on good practice and evidenced based initiatives in relation to Health, education, social care and family support.Understanding of professional boundaries and appropriate relationships with young people and their parents, carers or guardians and how to adhere to confidentiality policies.Skills: Effective teamwork skills, including within a multidisciplinary service or multi-agency network.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with children and adultsThe ability to advocate, negotiate, mediate and interpret on behalf of service users as appropriate.Excellent organisational skills, able to manage own work program and meet agreed timescales especially as relates to caseload management.Excellent IT skills in order to record and maintain accurate data.The ability to develop and maintain knowledge and understanding of local resources and provision, including community and statutory services, including Mental Health Teams, Social Services, Health, CAMHS, Benefits systemsGood observation and listening skills.Ability to apply effective and innovative strategies to meet the needs of families.Experience: Significant experience of providing support to vulnerable children/young people and their families within a targeted early help setting on a range of complex issues, including where there are safeguarding concerns, utilising a range of strategies to engender positive change.Experience of developing and maintaining relationships across services and supporting them to work together to achieve coordinated responses to needs and achieve best outcomes for children and families.Experience of caseload management and prioritising and planning support.Experience of working in culturally diverse communitiesExperience of addressing equal opportunities issues.Experience of using different intervention models to support parenting.Experience of using practice models and structured assessments to assess risk, needs and action plan with families and individuals, including Early Help Assessments and SMART family plans.General Education: Professional qualification or relevant experience in a social work/health/or related children's services area.Training and/or qualifications in social care, youth work, social work or equivalent to national standards, minimum NVQ 3.Please get in contact with us if you feel as though you would be a great fit for this role!
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