Child and Family Worker

Here at West Sussex County Council we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. Thework we have started includes establishing a new and experienced leadership team driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan.We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be done and the challenge ahead. That's why we need professionals, likeyou, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There's never been a more rewarding time to join.For further informationabout us and about working in Children's Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit Careers in children's social work in West Sussex.Salary: £23,080 - £25,481 per annumWorking Pattern: Full-timeLocation: County WideWe're seeking a dedicated Child& Family Worker to join our Choice and Child Disability Team. The successful candidate will be passionate about and looking forward to being part of a team achieving positive outcomes for children with lifelong disabilities across West Sussex.Choice is a countywideteam that sits within the Children's Disability Team working with children and their families from 0 to 18 years. We are committed to promoting independence and helping to shape positive outcomes for children in collaboration with families with the aim ofreducing the need for social work intervention. We work with children who have severe learning and/or physical disabilities or complex health needs associated with a life limiting or life-threatening condition and children with both autism and a moderate orsevere learning disability who may display challenging behaviour.As a Child & Family Worker within the Choice Team you will act as a keyworker for children who have Choice support plans, working with children and their family to establish a My Plan. Reviewsare 6 monthly and an updated annual assessment of need will be overseen by a social worker with you gathering information from the child, their family and relevant professionals. You will support children and their family to develop their own My Plan withclear outcomes and how these will be achieved. Our team is committed to help shape positive outcomes for children in collaboration with families and to reduce the need for social work intervention.Experience and SkillsKey Skills: Good communication and interpersonalskills with the ability to organise and present information clearly, concisely and accurately in ways that promote understanding, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to persuade and successfully convince others of the need to take a specificcourse of action and gain the trust of service users.Ability to analyse and interpret information in order to manage casework with children / young people and their families, assessing needs, setting objectives and reviewing progress.Ability to engage andintervene in partnership with children/young people, their families and other external agencies in order to effect positive and lasting change. Ability to work in an empowering way, focusing on collective strengths and resources, e.g. using a solution focusedapproach, and responding flexibly to diverse groups and service users whilst maintaining confidentiality.Ability to prioritise and manage own workload, co-ordinating a range of tasks in a clear and logical way to meet agreed deadlines, whilst working towardsclear goals. Able to reflect on own practice and learn from experience, taking responsibility for proactive professional development.Ability to maintain clear, accurate records of all work undertaken and produce case reports and correspondence for a varietyof audiences including meetings, conferences, court panels and other agencies.Sound and accurate IT skills, including report writing, maintaining accurate records, ensuring confidentiality, and protecting information.Qualifications, knowledge and experience:GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent qualification or experience operating at this level of literacy and numeracy.QCF Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent comparable experience.An understandingof systems, procedures and policies relevant to Children's Social Care e.g. child protection and safeguarding procedures, practice and policy. (Desirable)Knowledge and understanding of the development of children and young people, and age-appropriate behaviour.Anunderstanding of a range of interventions that can be used with children, young people and families to achieve change.Sound and accurate IT knowledge e.g. Microsoft Office, in order to produce written reports.Valid and full driving licence.Rewards and BenefitsAsan employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded forthe work they do. For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee, please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.The reference number for this role is CAFHE03510.