Role Overview
As a Reunification Practitioner your role will play a crucial part of our ambitious project to support Children Looked After to return to their families when it is safe for them to do so. The role aims to ensure early identification of children and young people who may be able to return home, completing analytical chronologies, personalised interventions for families such as targeted work to improve parenting, and supervising/observing family time, to support effective reunification. You will contribute to safety and transition planning alongside the allocated Social Worker and support parents and children through the reunification process, which tends to last 3‑6 months. You will have the support, experience and oversight of a Social Work Team Manager.
Local Government Organisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Responsibilities
The role will involve:
* Early identification of children and young people who may be able to return home.
* Completing analytical chronologies and personalised interventions.
* Supervising/observing family time to support effective reunification.
* Collaborating with Social Workers on safety and transition planning.
* Supporting parents and children through the reunification process.
Qualifications
* Experience of working within Children Looked After or other areas of children's services.
* An ability and motivation to work directly with children and families.
* Understanding of relevant legislation affecting working with children, including the Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act 2014.
* A commitment to working with children to improve the quality of their lives.
* An understanding of the NSPCC Reunification Framework.
* Excellent written and communication skills and ability to use information technology well.
* Valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across a wide geographical area.
* Willingness to work flexibly and travel to meet the demands of this role, including covering the East of Surrey.
* Enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required.
* Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long‑term health condition.
Benefits
* 26 days holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years of service and 31 days after 5 years.
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave.
* A generous Local Government salary related pension.
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year.
* Paternity, adoption and dependants leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and well‑being.
* Learning and development hub with access to a wealth of resources.
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping.
* Opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
Salary and Working Hours
The starting salary for this position is £33,552 per annum based on a 36 hour working week (full‑time), pro‑rata for part‑time hours. The role supports hybrid working with the right balance, requiring a minimum of one day per week in Woking and the rest of the time working from home.
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