Social Worker
Job description
Aontacht Family Services is a residential family centre where we provide expert, evidence-based parenting assessments to courts and Local Authorities. The centre is currently three bedrooms, however, there is potential for Aontacht to become a five bed centre in the future. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families through a tailored programme of support, activities, groups and workshops which may be run in the community or in-house.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced front line / children’s social worker with solid assessment and report writing skills. Rather than carrying a large case load, you will be currently carrying a caseload of upto three families, however, when the service expands the caseload will be upto five families. hence will have significant time to carry out direct and creative social work, having extensive time to build a rapport and complete both in depth reports and assessments. You will also have the support from a team of family assessment practitioners who would carry out day to day support to families and complete daily reports and contact supervision.
The role of Social Worker entails providing safety, support, care and guidance to families who are placed with us for assessment, helping them and guiding them to care safely for their children. In addition to offering support in relation to parenting, your role will also involve leading the wider assessment of each parents’ skills and parenting capacity.
As our social worker you will have a manageable case load of up to three families currently which will increase upto five families when Aontacht expand the business. You will be the lead safeguarding practitioner within the unit. Your responsibilities will include.
Delivering assessment sessions and producing high quality, child centred, comprehensive and evidence based assessments.
You will practice systemic thinking and utilise goal-based planning to facilitate and support a positive experience for babies/children and their parents and work positively and effectively with relatives, advocates and others involved with Service Users.
To work take part in effective multi agency working to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence.
Collating life story work for all resident families
Having oversight of all new referrals
Producing weekly reports for each resident family
To review handover notes and case notes from a safeguarding perspective and ensuring the effective and timely sharing of all relevant information
Generate, contribute to and reviewing assessments and plans.
Generating a weekly plan for families.
To contribute to the composition and development of the Aontacht teaching program
To deliver teaching and direct work sessions to parents to promote positive parenting as per Aontacht’s bespoke teaching program
To provide guidance and support to family support workers to ensure good practice
To review CCTV and case notes to ensure accurate recordings
Attending court and giving evidence when required
Attending regular meetings such as house, care planning, CLA reviews, and core group meetings
In addition, the social worker may be required to work within our residential service, to provide support when required by the employer for the efficient running of the organisation.
Working Hours
Our social worker will be required to work 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. Flexibility of working hours is offered around core business hours.
There will be some on call duties that are required on a three week rolling rota
Person Specification:
Essential
- Relevant Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Minimum of three years post qualifying experience of working with children and families with comprehensive experience of writing assessments
- Have good knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and social work theory
- Resilient and motivated person who is able to support families and offer guidance
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written
- Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental person displaying Patience and empathy towards some of the issues and challenges are faced by families
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines
- Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
- Have a genuine desire to support others to improve their lives
- Right to live and work in the UK
Desirable
- Experience of management/supervision/mentoring of staff
- Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained
- Ability to drive and hold a full driving licence
- PAMs and or Parent Assess trained
- Experience of giving evidence in court
Salary
£40,000 - £42,000 per annum dependent on experience
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
