KCR are currently recruiting a Social Work Team Lead for a care group that provides fostering and supported lodging services to children and young people who are referred to its service by TUSLA.
The successful candidate will be required to proactively source pathways to achieve placements by building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. As the first point of contact between the care group, Tusla, foster families and Social Workers you will be required to build and nurture positive relationships with colleagues, foster carers and other stakeholders and be confident communicating with professionals at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain and develop relationships with external stakeholders such as Tusla, at various levels, through a business development approach.
* Manage the placement of children/young people by following childcare legislation and regulations, child protection procedures, the requirements of the Children's First Act
* Build and maintain a responsive quality led referral service through the sourcing management of foster care vacancies in line with organisational objectives.
* Provide strong leadership through effective management and supervision of all referrals
* Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, and families.
About You
* You will hold a recognised third level qualification ideally in Social Work (or similar) within the Children's Services sector, ideally within a child protection, screening/duty role, fostering or similar.
* You will have at least three year's post graduate experience of working directly with children, young people, and families, in a busy environment with a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes and results
* Must have valid Garda Clearance and valid Overseas Clearance if you have lived abroad for more than 6 months
* Must hold a full driver's license (with full eligibility to drive in Ireland) and access to own vehicle, as travel will be required for this post
Additional Criteria
* Applicants who also meeting the following criteria are particularly welcomed:
* Previous experience in the foster care field
* Experience of working therapeutically with children
* Additional training in creative and therapeutic interventions and experience of facilitation of training
* Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation, child protection procedures, and related regulations, standards, and guidance.
* Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with a high standard of report writing skills and computer literacy.
* Being pro-active and dynamic with a 'can do' attitude.
* Your ability to work on own initiative in a creative and flexible manner.
* Your ability to work under pressure and handle changing priorities.