Job Description

Job Category: Officer
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Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Introduction
We are looking for a senior family practitioner who has extensive experience working with children and young people across a range of ages to join our Children with complex needs and disabilities, Family Help Team. You will be a skilled and reflective practitioner who is creative and can work with children and their families in an innovative way to ensure they receive the right help at the right time. We are looking for applicants who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and who have the experience and confidence to work with children with complex needs and disabilities within a statutory setting.
What's the role?
As a senior family practitioner, you will be working alongside qualified social workers working with children with disabilities and their families who are being offered a statutory service. You will be expected to case hold and work within Child in Need framework, therefore the ideal candidate requires excellent skills in supporting families.
What we're looking for

• A good knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation and guidance which governs Children's Social Care and family support work.
• Good knowledge of child and adolescent development and disability awareness
• Experience of working directly with children and families and providing targeted interventions.
• Ability to produce good quality case reports and correspondence for a variety of readership, including other agencies and service users.
• Understanding of why families may need Family Help assistance.
• Knowledge of how disability impacts a child's lived experience and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of short breaks, direct payments, and eligibility criteria for services.
• Good communication skills and ability to relate to children and their parents including ability to use of direct work to communicate with children with disabilities
• A good standard of written recording is expected and to maintain accurate records all work undertaken on behalf of the Directorate.
• An ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at appropriate levels with other agencies including education, health, and voluntary sector partners.
• Knowledge of the range of universal, targeted and specialist services used by children with complex needs and disabilities.

What's in it for you?
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we're looking for
A Senior Family Practitioner with experience working in frontline statutory social work teams, who possess skills and experience to work within children with complex needs and disability team and has the following:

• value the importance of communication and seeking feedback.
• are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
• are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way.
• work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths.
• take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions.
• are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.

Location
The job is primarily based in Kaleidoscope, Catford, 32 Rushey Green, London, SE6 4JF, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions

• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous, and we don't accept CV's.
- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Jinela Khanii,
Please click to view the and Person Specification
Please click for a letter from our Director
Please click for our visons and values
Salary
44,235 - 45,852 per annum (PO1)
N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme; further details are available at
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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Skills Required