Senior Family Support Worker - DGA13177

As a Senior Family Support Worker, you will be expected to provide intensive support to children and their families in their homes and also within foster, kinship and residential placements; undertake training specific to this role; work with a range of partner agencies; and be committed to ensuring the best possible service.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive team player and have the ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and independently. You must have a good working knowledge of child protection, legislation and regulations in relation to looked after children and young people, and an understanding of the challenges they, and their families, face.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, the ability to be creative and challenge with sensitivity. If you are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to supporting a team to work with children and young people, their families and carers, and can manage the challenges this can pose, we would love to hear from you.

Experience within children and families social work is desirable. We can offer you a commitment to your own learning and professional development, and ensure regular reflective one-to-one supervision, group supervision, peer support and regular team meetings and development sessions.

An HNC or SVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent is essential. This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident. A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

The post is fixed term for 6 months to cover maternity leave. This post may be suitable for secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland), exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact Katie Redpath, Senior Social Worker, katie.redpath@dumgal.gov.uk on 07824595375.