Life Story Officer in Romford

As part of our ongoing improvement journey and our commitment to helping children in our care understand their experiences and the decisions made for them, we are seeking a dedicated professional to join our Children in Care service.

In this pivotal role, you will work alongside our Children in Care teams, offering expert advice and guidance to practitioners and foster carers, while directly delivering life story work with children and young people. At Havering Council, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every child’s voice is at the heart of everything we do and this role is central to making that vision a reality.

As a Life Story Officer, you will work directly with children and young people in care, supporting them to understand their journey, background, and identity. You’ll collaborate with social workers, foster carers, education and health partners, using creative approaches—such as play, arts, crafts, and technology—to help children explore their past, present, and future in a safe and supportive environment.

• Undertake life story work with children and young people in care, using creative and digital methods.
• Help children understand their journey into care and set goals for their future.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies.
• Support children in managing difficult feelings, building resilience, and developing a positive sense of self.
• Produce memory boxes and clear, accessible documentation for each child.
• Prioritise workload to ensure life story work is completed in line with regulations and policies.
• Contribute to planning, reviews, and reporting for children and young people.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with council policy and iCARE values.
• Comply with safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and all relevant legislation and good practice.

You will have:

• A relevant qualification in childcare, education, health, or social care (e.g. NVQ 3 or equivalent/higher), or specialist training in child protection.
• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people, helping them understand their background and identity.
• Experience of completing thoughtful and sensitive direct work with children to help them understand their life story.
• Knowledge of legislation, guidance, and research relating to life story work and safeguarding.
• Experience working with multi-agency partners and building rapport with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication, IT, and organisational skills.
• The ability to remain resilient, maintain professional boundaries, and promote equality and diversity.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact during a time of social, technological, and financial change. We value flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to excellent service for the people of Havering.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5th June 2026 at midnight. Interview date to be confirmed. For further information and an informal discussion, contact Kate Rubenach at Kate.Rubenach@havering.gov.uk.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.