Advanced Practitioner (Sycamore Bairns' Hoose Coordinator) - Howdenhall Edinburgh Secure Services

Bairns’ Hoose is based upon the Icelandic model of ‘Barnahus’ (child’s house) and is the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide children and young people across Scotland with access to trauma-informed, multi-agency, rights-based support when they have been victims or witnesses of violence or abuse. The model is a ‘four room’ approach bringing together justice, health, child protection and recovery services under one ‘roof’. The Sycamore Partnership comprises City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Councils, Police Scotland and NHS Lothian. We also work closely with colleagues across COPFS, SCRA and the third sector. The Sycamore Partnership is an Affiliate member of the Scottish Government Bairns’ Hoose Programme and as part of the next phase of our development plans we have been granted funding for a fixed term Bairns’ Hoose Coordinator post, until 31.03.2027. This is an exciting opportunity to support the development, delivery and coordination of the Sycamore Bairns’ Hoose by working with partners to support children and their families through their care, protection and justice journey.

The Role:

• Support the ongoing development of the Bairns’ Hoose practice model in line with agreed objectives.
• Lead, manage and co-ordinate the activities of the service to achieve positive outcomes with and for children, young people and families.
• Take a lead role in enabling the Bairns’ Hoose to be a place that welcomes children and families with kindness and care, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere.
• Be an advocate and champion for children’s rights.
• Conduct review of needs, gaps, and trends ensuring involvement of the individuals who use our service, and report regularly to the Bairns’ Hoose Oversight Group.
• Develop processes and take responsibility for appropriate record keeping, and administrative elements of the Bairns’ Hoose project work.
• Participate in a range of external networks for the benefit of and with the participation of children, young people and families.
• Support the newly created Link Worker post in their role, working together to ensure children and their families have access to the right support when they need it.

This role will be line managed by the Team Leader (SCIM) within the Child Protection Resource of City of Edinburgh Council’s Children and Families Social Work Service. The Sycamore Partnership Oversight Group will hold oversight of the Bairns’ Hoose Coordinator role.

The Person:

• Diploma or a Degree in Social Work is essential.
• You will have a strong background of direct work with children who have experienced adversity and a sound understanding of childhood development.
• You will have demonstrable experience of implementing new systems and processes and be able to explain how you have supported practice improvements.
• You will be able to evidence a trauma informed approach to your practice and have insight into the ways in which traumatic experiences can impact both children and their families.
• You will have skills to listen to, communicate with, and advocate for the rights of children and young people, as well as support the people who care for them.
• You will have experience of working collaboratively with other professionals such as Social Work, Health, Police and third sector organisations.
• You will have the skills and experience to facilitate meaningful participation and engagement of children, young people and families in service design and development.
• You will work collaboratively with partner agencies to maintain a coherent, child‑centred approach.
• You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of practice models, assessment frameworks and standards as well as understanding the relevant national policy landscape.
• You must be registered with the SSSC.

Candidates are required to join the PVG Scheme/ undergo a PVG scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment. This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Find out more about our commitment to equalities here.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page.

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.

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