Job Details
Fife Council’s Child Protection Team is a busy, dynamic, social work team that is responsible for undertaking joint investigations and joint investigative interviews of children and young people.
The Child Protection Team work with children from 0 years of age up to 18 who have been victim of abuse, violence or neglect, or who are potentially at risk of significant harm. Referral to the Child Protection Team is via Interagency Referral Discussion (IRD).
The Child Protection Team carry out all the Joint Investigative Interviews of children within Fife, along with police officers from Fife Public Protection Unit using the nationally trained Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM). The successful candidate may already be SCIM trained or they may be offered the opportunity to attend this training at some point. Further to the investigations and interviews of children, Child Protection Team social workers will also hold case responsibility for children and young people and will complete initial assessments, carry out risk assessments, complete child’s plans and where necessary take measures to ensure children’s immediate protection, safety and care.
The Child Protection Team are central to the development of Fife Bairns’ Hoose and are currently involved in the pathfinding for the Scottish Government, which is aiming to bring better outcomes and more aligned services to children who have experienced abuse and trauma.
The Child Protection Team is made up of 8 FTE Social Workers, a Social Work Assistant, 3 Senior Practitioners, and a Team Manager. This is a centralised specialist team that covers the whole of Fife.
The post is a full-time permanent position, working 36 hours a week. The standard hours of work are 08:48 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. It is however, necessary to work out-with those hours.
The Child Protection Team is based in Glenrothes. However, travel throughout Fife will be required.
The Person
A Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) qualification is essential, as is registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.
You should have considerable experience in a relevant setting; with at least two years post qualifying experience being preferred.
You will be able to demonstrate that your practice is trauma-informed, child-centred and strength focussed.
You will have sound knowledge and experience of working with families in crisis, assessing risk, proportionate decision-making and safety planning.
You will have experience of multi-agency partnership working to safeguard and protect children.
It would be advantageous if you are already trained to undertake joint investigative interviews using Scottish Child Interview Model. However, it is not essential, as there may be the opportunity to access the national training in the future.
You will have knowledge and understanding of both, National and Fife Council Child and Adult Protection guidelines and information sharing protocols.
You will be a reflective practitioner, who is able to manage the demands of a busy Child Protection Team.