Senior Family Support Worker - DGA13209

This is a region wide role primarily based in the East Children and Families Social Work Services, recruiting a Bairns’ Hoose Senior Family Support Worker to support the implementation of a trauma-sensitive, rights-based and recovery-focused Bairns’ Hoose model across Dumfries and Galloway. The Bairns’ Hoose model is based on the European Barnahus approach: a child-friendly, multi-disciplinary and inter-agency model supporting children who are victims or witnesses of all forms of violence. It brings together Police, Social Work, Health, Court and recovery services under one roof, ensuring children receive coordinated, compassionate and effective support.

As a Senior Family Support Worker, you will work independently to support children, young people and their families in their Bairns’ Hoose journey using relationship-based practice through a trauma-informed lens. You will also work closely with multi-agency partners to ensure positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. In this role, you will support children and young people who have witnessed or experienced abuse or harm, and their families to navigate child protection and justice processes. Alongside this, you will ensure that children, young people and their families have the support they need to recover.

You will ensure children and young people are listened to and have their rights upheld and that they have the opportunity to provide feedback to shape our Bairns’ Hoose. You will give families practical help and support and respond at critical times. You will spend time with children and young people, write assessments and Child’s Plans in partnership with them and the team around them.

You must have direct experience of working with children and young people and be able to form effective relationships with children and their families. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to undertake assessments and keep accurate records are essential. Knowledge of existing Council Information systems (Mosaic) would be an advantage. You will be energetic and flexible, able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and able to use your initiative and experience (ideally in a related work-setting) to help provide an effective service.

If you apply for this role, you should be enthusiastic and creative, with a desire to help families develop their family network and supports in the community. 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.

This post is fixed term until 31st March 2027 and may be suitable as a secondment opportunity. It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformational system change and help establish a high-quality, child-centred Bairns’ Hoose model rooted in children’s rights and recovery. 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.

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 Kath Priest, Locality Manager (kath.priest@dumgal.gov.uk) or Suzanne Gibson, Team Manager (Suzanne.gibson@dumgal.gov.uk).