Family Assessment Worker

Shifts are on a 4 week rolling rota which includes a mixture of working: 7:30am - 3:00pm & 2:30pm - 10:00pm. Your rota will involve working a combination of both of these shifts, including weekends.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

1. To ensure the safety and welfare of children remains central to the assessment/intervention process.

2. To take an active part in the assessment process regarding children and families - to observe, supervise, record and assess family interaction, child behaviour, parental motivation and parental ability to meet the needs of the child(ren).

3. To provide a service that values and respects the strengths, experiences and background of the families.

4. To take an active part within team meetings in reviewing and developing the practices and provision within, and resources available to, the Centre.

5. To use common sense and sensitivity in challenging and teaching parenting practices.

6. To provide structured feedback to parents during and at the end of each shift.

7. To plan and prioritise workload effectively within established timeframes and ensure that all written recordings meet required deadlines.

8. To assist with childcare duties as required.

9. To liaise with managers, and source other agencies/resources as appropriate.

10. To work as part of a team to provide a culturally sensitive service for children and their families. 11. To promote and maintain equal opportunities and anti-oppressive practice within the work environment.

12. To observe and implement Child Protection Procedures and the Centre’s policies and procedures.

13. To participate fully in training and supervision, identifying training courses relevant to role and personal development.

14. To be aware of health and safety responsibilities at work.

15. If you have observed a specific incident, to provide evidence in court, if required.

16. To undertake other duties as identified by the Centre & Deputy Managers, Team Case Managers or Quality Assurance Manager.

Special Conditions:

Post holder is required to work shifts, including weekends and Bank Holidays and to ‘sleep in’ (if required), at the Centre.

All staff are expected to work in a flexible way to cope with the needs, demands and requirements of the Centre.

Assessments and observations will take place throughout the centre and if the case of a fire alarm staff may need to assist babies and families down the stairs to safety/fire assembly point.

Use of personal phones/cameras are restricted to certain areas of the building.

Observance of the Centre’s Equal Opportunities Policy will be required, and to work at all times in accordance with all the Centre’s policies and procedures.

Failure by a member of staff to report actual or suspected physical or sexual abuse of a child by another member of staff or other person having contact with the child may constitute a disciplinary offence.

Benefits of Working at Dudley Lodge:

• Shift patterns that make your commute calmer and quicker.
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
• Team building days
• Employee Assistance Programme - this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
• Cash plan - After 1 year’s continuous employment, you can opt for free cover under this Cash Plan policy.
• A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
• Life Assurance - Group Life Assurance Policy with Unun Life. The scheme provides a tax-free benefit to all permanent employees, paying a lump sum amount of 2 x salary in the event of death in service.
• Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
• Enhanced holidays:
  • 22 days plus 8 bank holidays - up to 5 years continuous employment
  • 27 days plus 8 bank holidays - up to 10 years continuous employment
  • 32 days plus 8 bank holidays - over 10 years continuous employment
• Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS
• Bike (Cycle) Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike (max, £1000 or 50% of monthly contractual salary). The employee cycle loan request form should be completed for validation.
• Long Service Awards: We value our staff and to show recognition we offer long service awards.

Purpose of Job:

• To work with families on a day-to-day basis, observing and recording the parents’ abilities to meet the immediate safety and care needs of their children. This will be completed through daily observations.
• To ensure parents/carers prioritise the safety and welfare needs of their children
• To create a supportive learning/re-learning environment for parents and children
• To provide childcare for children whilst their parents/carers attend Groups and Individual Sessions
• To provide group and individual sessions with the families which is specific to their individual needs
• To provide playroom groups such as Baby Massage, Baby Sensory, Messy Play, and Musical Babies (training will be provided)

Please note: The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check as part of our rigorous safeguarding process.

SCR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All offers of employment are subject to thorough background checks and verification of references and identity.