Jobs in Perth And Kinross

Job Details

Job Description

This position of Senior Social Care Officer is in the Children with Disabilities team.  Our team covers all of Perth and the Kinross Area and works with some of the most vulnerable children in our society.  The role of the Senior Social Care Officer is important, varied, and vital to delivering direct support to children, young people, and families. 

You will work closely with social workers to meet the identified needs of children, young people, and families.  This can range from individual work with children and young people, to the supervision and assessment of the time looking after and accommodating children and young people spend with their families and transporting children and young people. 

Senior Social Care Officers provide direct parenting support to parents, expectant parents, and carers to help them feel confident and better able to parent their children and young people.

Senior Social Care Officers will also support parents, expectant parents, and carers to address their own needs; such as by attending to their mental health or addressing problematic substance use.  Senior Social Care Officers work closely with plan partners from health and education to support families in line with ‘Getting it Right for Every Child.

The Individual

You must have an SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children & Young People) or equivalent.  If you are suitably experienced or qualified in other ways, you must be willing to complete the SVQ3 qualification within a designated period.

Flexibility is key in these roles as no two days are the same and sometimes plans need to change quickly in response to the needs of children and families.

You must have a good understanding of child development and attachment theory, and have knowledge of relevant legislation, processes and procedures, and issues relating to children and families.

You must be able to communicate effectively with children and families in a warm, patient, and empathetic manner, recognizing that all families experience difficulties at times.  Being approachable, reliable, and trustworthy in your work with families is essential to making a positive change for children, young people, and families.

You must be consistent and persistent in your work with families, recognizing that it takes time to build relationships with children and their parents and that it may take several attempts to engage with families.

You must be non-judgmental and open-minded in your approach to working with families.  You should be willing to learn more about substance use and mental health and its impact on children and families.

You should be an organized person who can manage your workload around fixed commitments such as contact arrangements and prioritize competing demands.

You should be able to use computers to a good standard, such as completing entries into our web-based recording system, managing an electronic diary system, and typing up assessments, forms, and short reports.

Candidates will need to promote positive values and anti-discriminatory, non-judgmental practices and treat colleagues and customers with dignity and respect in line with the Employee Code of Conduct and SSSC Codes of Conduct.

You must have a valid UK driving license as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.

Preferably you will also have experience working with children who have Additional Needs and their families.

For further information about this post please contact Chris Brodie, Team Leader on 01738 474737.

When completing your application for this post, please ensure that you provide contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, Perth & Kinross Council carries out rigorous checks on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, employment history, references, and fitness to undertake the post.

A healthy work-life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender. 

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