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Job description

The Residential Social Worker will be part of the Residential Unit team, providing therapeutic residential care for children aged 6-12 years old. As Residential Social Worker, you will work to create a warm, caring environment which meets the emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual needs of the children or young persons accommodated in the home. .

Responsibilities

• Have shared responsibility for the day-to-day care and supervision of children and young people who live in the home which may include key worker responsibility for young people aged 6-12 years old.
• Ensure that appropriate records are maintained particularly those detailing observations and/or assessment of each child and young person, in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
• Engage with the Clinical team and other professionals in ensuring the relevant therapeutic measures are implemented when required.
• Develop working relationships with other agencies to support the needs of the young people living in residential care e.g. education.
• Participate in assessment, planning, implementing and reviewing the care plan of each child and young person in the facility.
• To develop appropriate relationships that will promote the growth and development of the young people with the aim of encouraging emotional maturity.
• To establish a range of appropriate contacts within the local neighbourhood that will facilitate the involvement of the children and young people in outside activities.
• To accompany the young people, when necessary, to places of worship, holidays, outings and other occasions.
• To contribute to the daily life of the home through engaging with the children and young people in activities such as housework, maintenance of clothing, cooking and personal care.
• Participate in staff meetings, consultations, group discussions and formal supervision as required.
• To assume delegated responsibility for the facility at the discretion of the manager as required.
• Commitment to flexible working hours as the job will include evening, sleep-ins and weekend shifts.
• To participate in and contribute to staff training programmes when appropriate.
• Where appropriate, to work with the young person following discharge from the home consistent with statutory responsibilities.
• To participate in the development of group work or other alternative approaches of working with children and young persons.
• In addition to the above, staff will be asked to undertake any of the following duties: The preparation of Court reports. Undertaking written reports as required. Supervising social work students.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Recognised Social Work qualification Hold appropriate NISCC registration or be eligible for immediate registration or have lodged an application with NISCC. Experience in working with children and young people who have experienced significant trauma.
• Hold a current full driving license valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. (where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements).
• Experience in the use of IT including at least one of the core packages i.e. Outlook, Work, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing. Ability to work in partnership with staff within and outside the programme of care. Effective planning and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise workload.
• Knowledge of statutory responsibilities for looked after children. Demonstrate a sound working knowledge of Child Protection policies and Procedures. Ability to compile reports.