Senior Support Worker – D-BIT, Connecting and Uniting Families

• Senior Support Worker – D-BIT, Connecting and Uniting Families
• Fixed Term, Full Time
• Working Style: Community-based worker

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Support Worker to join the Divisional Based Intervention Teams (D-BIT) Connecting and Uniting Families team on a 12‑month fixed term or secondment opportunity.

The team works in partnership with frontline children’s services, devising robust and structured connecting/reunification plans and supporting families intensively for up to 18 months.

The team is based in Chelmsford and provides a countywide response to requests for bespoke connecting and reunification activity.

Assigned caseloads are limited, reflecting our commitment to bespoke, relevant, intensive family support activity.

Staff work cohesively together, providing support to families as a team with the flexibility to adapt to the needs of those referred to the service.

This role will also encompass Staying Close work, working with young people in, and leaving care up to the age of 25, supporting them to connect and/or unite with their families where appropriate.

Developing and strengthening these relationships aims to provide them with ongoing connection, support and a sense of belonging, aiding their transition into adulthood.

Working arrangements are flexible, with acknowledgement that a percentage of family‑based activity may need to take place outside of usual working hours.

• Accountabilities
• Support social workers and occupational therapists to implement and monitor care plans, and write reports where required.
• Maintain high standards of professional practice and contribute to continuous improvement across the service.
• Highlight issues and implement plans to safeguard children.
• Build strong, effective relationships with service users, providing practical advice and support where deemed appropriate, enabling children and families to sustain change and function effectively within the community.
• Work collaboratively across the service, with internal and external professional partner agencies, to ensure improved outcomes for children and families.
• Provide information and advice regarding involvement/access to third‑party agencies relevant to the needs of the service user (e. g., benefits agencies, immigration and housing).
• Participate in meetings, reviews, case conferences and court hearings to provide information, insight and evidence.
• Write effective reports that could be used in professional meetings, forums and court.

Experience You Will Bring

• NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent education.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and in‑depth knowledge in a relevant professional area.
• Experience building strong, effective relationships with children and families in times of challenge and crisis.
• Experience observing, facilitating and reporting on contacts.
• Experience undertaking direct, activity‑based work with children and families where required.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues impacting children, young people and families, leading them to require support.
• Knowledge of legislative and policy guidance applicable within Social Care settings.
• Proven track record of working with partners and external agencies.
• A certificate in First Aid and/or knowledge of Sign Language is desirable.
• Mobility Requirement

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area, including travelling around Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings in emergencies.

A driving licence and a car, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means, is essential.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the role.

We also refuse to discriminate against veterans or care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.

This role is subject to a DBS check and, if required, you will be required to register with the DBS update service.

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