First Steps is a dynamic and innovative residential family assessment centre that works to support families to remain together, central to achieving this is the dedication and passion of our staff team! We are seeking empathetic individuals who understand the difficulties our families are experiencing and who want to be part of each families journey striving for positive outcomes. If you are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families and can champion this within the wider workforce then First Steps is where you can make a real difference to the lives of those we work with. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families at all times through programmes of activities, groups and workshops which are facilitated both in the community and in-house.

The role of Senior Residential Family Practitioner entails supporting our Registered Manager with the delivery of our service, co- ordinating parenting support programmes, ensuring that shifts run smoothly, ensuring appropriate safety, support, care and guidance are offered to families who are placed with us for assessment. In addition to offering parenting support, your role will also involve supporting the lead Social Worker by direct participation in the wider assessment of each parents’ skills and parenting capacity.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Experience of working at a senior level within a children/ families setting
• Previous experience of working in a residential family assessment centre, child care setting, children’s health care or within children and families services

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Calm, approachable, adaptable and non-judgemental
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
• Resilient and motivated
• NVQ or Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People’s workforce or equivalent
• Knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding

Desirable

• GCSE in Maths and English at C Grade or above
• Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained
• Ability to drive and hold a full driving licence
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions
• Experience of Triple P parenting programme

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand and adhere to First Steps Policies and Procedures.
• Take part in the on-call system.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 2012 as amended.
• To lead shifts, working alongside other team members and other professionals (Social Workers, Police, Education, and Health) to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence.
• Keep up to date and accurate monitoring and records of the family’s progress plus any incidents.
• Attend regular supervision seminars and staff meetings, actively pursue relevant qualifications and undertake training as required developing the post holders own skills.
• Provide a high standard of supervision to other team members
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies.
• Contribute to and maintain a high level of recording and report writing, and contribute in meetings as required to assist in planning to meet the needs of children and their families.
• Those employed as drivers may be required to transport families as necessary for the successful functioning of the house and as such must have business insurance on their policy.
• Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift.
• Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required by the manager to assist the functioning of the care home or care towards children at that time. This includes domestic tasks such as assisting with cooking and cleaning.
• Such other duties as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.

First Steps is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of right to work in the UK. All applicants are required to complete an application form below andemail this with your CV to info@fsnw.co.uk. CV’s will not be considered without an application form.

If you would like an informal discussion prior to applying please email the above email address and we will contact you.

Job Type: Full time