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Job description

To supervise / monitor the contact between children and their parents and/or other relatives where court orders or other circumstances make this necessary. To carry out individual work with children and/or their parents as agreed with the Manager. Family Contact Workers will work in a variety of settings, including occasionally family and foster homes in the provision of Family contact Sessions..

Responsibilities

• To remain abreast and informed of current thinking in relation to professional conduct and practice.
• To assist in compiling reports for court if required.
• Work closely with commissioning Children and Families Social Workers as part of agreed plans for children.
• To report to the Manager or other Designated Officer any circumstances giving rise to concern relating to the safety of children.
• To work in conjunction with the Manager and Senior contact workers to provide Family Contact.
• To provide transport to children and on occasions other family members, to and from the contact venue.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff in their development and training.
• Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Good communication skills both written and verbal.
• Good organisational skills.
• Be responsive to families needs while retaining objectivity.
• Good interpersonal skills with children and parents.
• Be available for regular staff supervision, team meetings and training sessions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Understanding and commitment to the importance of quality contact for families.
• Must have a clean drivers licence and access to a car and business insurance.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of Children Act 1989.
• Understanding and commitment to the importance of quality contact for families.
• Knowledge and experience of play skills.

Further Information

This post requires the successful candidate to work flexibly and to undertake some work outside of normal office hours and/or at weekends.