Early Help Senior Key Worker

The Methodist Church in Britain; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is recruiting for a senior key worker within Croydon Council’s Early Help Family Solutions service. You will lead six-month, whole-family assessments and co-ordinate interventions using the Team Around the Family framework, handling a mixed caseload and deputising for managers as required.

You will have proven experience in writing assessments and plans with children and families, and a track record of building strong working relationships with partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Experience writing assessments and plans for children and families.
• Proven ability to build relationships with families, partners and services.
• Background in working with children, young people and families using a relationship-based approach.

Responsibilities

• Deliver whole-family assessments and interventions using the Team Around the Family framework.
• Progress outcomes-based family plans through regular reviews and oversight.
• Carry a six-month intensive Early Help key work caseload of about 10 families.
• Identify risks with families and devise safety plans with partners.
• Broker access to community, health, education and third sector services.

Skills

Relationship building

Assessments & plans

Crisis management

Time management

Engaging reluctant families

Child development knowledge

Job description

This senior key worker post sits in one of three locality-based teams within Croydon Council's Early Help Family Solutions service. The core work is intensive six-month 'whole family' assessments and interventions, using a Team Around the Family framework to deliver outcomes-based plans. Alongside a mixed caseload of about ten families, the post carries partnership work with community, voluntary and faith groups, and deputising for managers. Proven experience of writing assessments and plans with children and families is essential.

What the job involves

• Deliver whole-family assessments and interventions using the Team Around the Family framework
• Support progression of outcomes-based family plans through regular review and management oversight
• Deliver intensive six-month Early Help key work with families
• Carry a mixed caseload of about 10 families in line with Early Help practice standards
• Work with families, management and wider services to identify risks and devise safety plans
• Navigate and broker families' access to community, health, education and third sector services
• Provide advice and signposting to families and partner agencies
• Develop working relationships with voluntary, community and faith groups and attend community network meetings
• Support universal services
• Support new staff through induction, deputise managerial tasks and chair meetings as required

What’s required

Experience

• Proven record of building relationships, responding to crisis and delivering outcomes
• Experience of writing assessments and plans
• Experience of working with children, families and partner agencies
• Background in relationship-based work with children, young people and families

Skills & knowledge

• Proficiency in undertaking assessments and applying a whole-family approach
• Ability to engage families who are hesitant or reluctant to work with the service
• Good time management and ability to prioritise key work tasks
• Broad understanding of child development
• Ability to tailor knowledge to families across a wide age range, from expectant parents to preparation for adulthood
• Confident, child-focused practice

Nice to have

• Ability to flex and tailor approach to different scenarios

What’s offered

• Regular case supervision
• Monthly mixed-locality reflective discussion groups
• Support to access continuous professional development opportunities