Job Title and Grade Social Care Worker
Five Rivers Ireland is an independent fostering agency that has been in operation in Ireland since 2002. We have expanded over the years and now have established offices in both Dublin and Cork, as well as a base in Kilkenny and social workers based in Donegal, Sligo and Galway who coordinate our foster carers in the Northwest.
We support over 120 foster families across the Republic of Ireland. Our team is multidisciplinary, comprising of social work, social care, play therapy, counselling and educational psychology and psychotherapy.
Scope and Purpose of the Post
The Social Care Worker is a professional who is committed to the planning and delivering of quality care and other support services to individuals and groups with identified needs within Five Rivers Ireland.
The prime consideration at all times must be the interests of the children and young people. The Social Care Worker will work with children/young people, families and/or significant others, social work teams, other healthcare providers and agencies, schools, training agencies and community groups.
Duties and Responsibilities
* BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE.
* Liaise with outside agencies as appropriate.
* PROMOTE ADVOCACY THROUGH LISTENING TO THE INDIVIDUALS WISHES AND ADVOCATING ON THEIR BEHALF.
* BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL FOR CHILDREN / YOUNG PEOPLE.
* PROVIDE VERBAL AND WRITTEN FEEDBACK ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CHILD / YOUNG PERSON AS REQUIRED.
* HELP PREPARE CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE FOR CHANGES IN THE FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT.
* USE A RANGE OF METHODS WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN THE USE OF CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE MEANS.
* NOTIFY CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS TO RELEVANT PEOPLE.
* USE A RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACH.
* ORGANISE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR CHILDREN WHO FOSTER AND ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT.
* ATTEND CHILD IN CARE REVIEWS, WHERE APPLICABLE.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* Fostering good relationships with children, parents, carers and staff and behave in a pleasant and professional manner.
* Maintain confidentiality regarding Five Rivers Ireland and the children/young people and staff within it.
* Able to work on their own initiative with consistent self-motivation.
* Able to communicate clearly and appropriately, both verbally and in writing.
* Able to present material professionally both written and orally, inside and outside the agency.
* Work with individuals in a way that promotes their equality, dignity, diversity and rights.
* Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance
Benefits
* A Good knowledge of the effect of the care system on children/young people.
* A Good knowledge and experience of working with young people.
* A Good knowledge and experience of working in groups.
* A Good knowledge of Foster Care Practice, including legal knowledge.
* A Good understanding of Equal Opportunities within service provision.
* A Good knowledge of Child Care Act 1991, Foster Care Regulations 2003, Children First Guidelines 1999 and Five Rivers Policy and Procedures Eligibility Criteria.