Community Care Worker Children’s Services – Children & Families Grade: Grade 8 Job Reference: DCC/18/0504 Are you passionate about supporting children and families to access the help, guidance and services they need to thrive? Do you have experience working with children and a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals and families? We’re looking for a dedicated Community Care Worker to join Children’s Services, supporting social workers and other professionals to deliver effective, person-centred care and support. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families, helping to identify their needs, coordinate appropriate support and ensure care plans are implemented effectively.
The Role As a Community Care Worker, you will work under the guidance of a Social Worker or Service Manager, supporting the delivery of social care services across a range of client groups. You will manage an allocated caseload of less complex cases, helping to assess individual needs, coordinate services and monitor progress. You will also contribute to the wider work of Children’s Services, ensuring children and families receive appropriate support and that their needs remain at the centre of decision-making. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting children and families: Identify and assess the needs of children and their families, helping to ensure they receive appropriate assistance and support.
- Assessments and care planning: Undertake holistic assessments for less complex cases, contribute to assessment processes and assist with the implementation of care plans and interventions.
- Family contact: Arrange and supervise contact where required, helping to ensure arrangements are appropriate and supportive.
- Case management: Manage an allocated caseload under regular professional guidance, reviewing cases and contributing to the transfer or closure of cases when appropriate.
- Reviews and monitoring: Undertake reviews of service users and their care plans to assess progress and identify any changing needs.
- Working in partnership: Liaise with social workers, voluntary organisations, education and health professionals, and other relevant agencies to coordinate support.
- Accessing services: Help arrange and commission services, both internally and externally, and provide information about available community resources.
- Practical support: Arrange or provide transport, accompany service users where necessary and help individuals access appropriate services.
- Recording and reporting: Maintain accurate case records and prepare reports and assessments in line with council policies and procedures.
- Community involvement: Support or participate in group activities, community projects and other initiatives that benefit service users.
- Safeguarding and confidentiality: Work in accordance with relevant legislation, council policies, equal opportunities requirements and data protection guidelines.
You may also be required to undertake routine statutory visits to children in care and support other client groups as service needs require.
What We’re Looking For We’re seeking someone who is compassionate, organised and practical, with the confidence to work independently within agreed guidelines while contributing positively to a wider professional team.
Essential skills and experience:
- Direct experience working with children in a social care, educational or healthcare setting.
- An understanding of child development and the needs of children and their families.
- The ability to identify and assess the needs of children and families.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to plan and manage your own workload.
- The ability to work collaboratively with other professionals, agencies and community organisations.
- Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- A flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and service needs.
- An understanding of confidentiality, data protection and equal opportunities.
- The ability to travel between departmental service locations throughout the county as required.
Desirable Experience
- Supporting or caring for vulnerable individuals.
- Working within a multidisciplinary team.
- Developing and implementing care plans.
- Undertaking Child in Need assessments.
- Counselling or providing additional emotional support.
- Working with health, education and voluntary sector organisations.
- Understanding welfare rights and the range of community services available.
Qualifications Essential:
- NVQ Level 3 in Care or an equivalent qualification.
- Candidates who do not currently hold the required qualification must be willing to acquire it once in post, in accordance with the role requirements.
Desirable:
- NVQ Level 4 in Social Care.
- BTEC qualification in Social Care.
- Other relevant academic qualifications.
- Candidates without the desirable NVQ Level 4 qualification must be willing to work towards achieving it once in post.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers the chance to contribute directly to the delivery of children’s and family services, working alongside experienced social care professionals and helping people access the right support at the right time. If you have relevant experience working with children, strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, we would love to hear from you.
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