Social Worker (Reunification Service)

Roles & Responsibilities

Are you passionate about working with children and families in need? The SSF-R team is looking for suitable social workers to provide intensive family reunification services to reunite children and young persons (CYP) in out-of-home care with their families. The services we provide are strengths-based, child-centric and family-focused. The SSF-R professional must be able to work independently and proficiently to safeguard and promote the safety and well-being needs of CYP. In order to serve these families best, a demonstrated willingness to work with a flexible schedule (i.e. evenings and weekends) will be vital. Join the SSF-R team today!

Job Scope

1. Assessment

• Assess the suitability of reunification for CYP in out-of-home care
• Assess needs and strengths of family and areas of intervention to provide safe care
• Assess child safety and well-being on an ongoing basis

2. Strengthening (Familial) Relationships

• Collaborate with CYP, families and networks to develop a viable reunification plan
• Facilitate and evaluate contact between CYP and families

3. In-Family Coaching and Support

• Provide in-home coaching and/or therapeutic interventions to support carers in meeting the safety and well-being needs of CYP
• Develop and review safety plans with CYP, families and their networks
• Collaborate with families, their networks and community partners to ensure that safety and well-being needs of CYP will be met in the long term, and reunification with the family will be sustained and permanent

4. System intervention

• Address system barriers that prevents CYP from returning home (e.g. child care arrangements, housing, etc)

Job Requirements

• Degree in Social Work
• At least 2 years of relevant casework experience working with children, young persons and families; prior experience in reunification work with children and young persons in need of care and protection preferred
• Willing to work on a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Able to respond to crisis situations promptly, when needed
• Committed to ensuring child safety and promoting child well-being
• Willing to provide home-based intervention

Additional Qualities Suitable for Job Fit

• Strengths based in practice orientation
• Not biased against birth families
• Able to manage high-risk and complex cases independently
• Able to effectively contribute as a team member to enhance the team’s professional development and service delivery
• Strong ability to collaborate with systems, e.g. birth families, community agencies and other stakeholders
• Cross-culturally competent
• Adaptable and takes initiative
• Insightful and reflective
• Able to use humour and be playful

Tell employers what skills you have

Child Safety and Protection
Intervention Studies
Hospitals
Interpersonal Skills
Social Services
Social Work
Child Protection
Advocate
Mental Health
Wellbeing
Crisis Management
Team Player
Case Management
Able To Work Independently
Service Delivery
Working with Children