Senior Social Care Officer, Almondbank PKC

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Senior Social Care Officer - PKC
13395
£37,015 - £40,825
Almondbank House, Perth

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 36 hour, permanent Senior Social Care Officer post in Perth City, Children & Families Fieldwork Team. The successful candidate will preferably have experience in working in a statutory childcare team.

The team work with children, young people and their families, to ensure children and young people's needs are met through robust assessment and implementation of children and young person's plans and also Child Protection plans.

The role of Senior Social Care Officer is varied and ranges from providing direct support to families in need and/or at risk, this could be in the form of parenting work, support with practical tasks and 1-1 work with children and young people. You will also supervise and assess family time arrangements for children who are living apart from their birth parents.

You will work closely with multi-disciplinary services to support families in line with Getting it Right for Every Child'.

All activities in relation to work undertaken must be recorded timeously and clearly on Perth and Kinross' data recording system. The role demands a person who can use IT and maintain clear, accurate and up to date records. The role includes attendance and participation at Child Protection Case Conferences, Child Protection Core Groups, Looked After Child meetings, Children's Hearings and Child Plan meetings.

Previous applicants need not apply.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with excellent communication skills both verbally and written, you will have good relationship skills and ability to build relationships with a range of people from diverse backgrounds.

You must have a HNC and SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children & Young People) or equivalent. If you are suitably experienced or qualified in other ways you will be expected to complete the SVQ3 qualification within a designated period.

You must have a good understanding of child development and attachment theory, have knowledge of relevant legislation, processes and procedures and issues relating to the children and families.

You must be able to communicate effectively with children and families in a warm, patient and empathetic manner, recognise that all families experience difficulties  will be approachable, reliable and trustworthy in your work with families is essential.

You must be consistent and persistent in your work with families, recognising that it takes time to build relationships with children and their parents and recognise that it may take several attempts to engage with families.

You must be non-judgmental and open-minded in your approach to working with families.

You should have good knowledge and understanding or be willing to learn more about domestic violence, substance use and mental health and its impact on children and families.

You should be an organised person who can manage their workload around fixed commitments such as family time arrangements and prioritise competing demands.

Flexibility is key to the role, and you will sometimes be required to change plans in response to crisis and the immediate needs of children and their families.

You should have IT skills to a level that will enable you to carry out electronic recording, manage an electronic diary system and complete assessments, forms and reports online.

You must have a valid UK driving licence and access to a car as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.

Candidates will need to promote positive values and anti-discriminatory, non-judgmental practice and treat colleagues and customers with dignity and respect in line with the Employee Code of Conduct and SSSC Codes of Conduct.

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the…