Social Worker – Child Protection Team Full Time

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Job Details

The Child Protection Team in Fife Council is a busy, dynamic, social work team that holds responsibility for undertaking joint investigations and joint investigative interviews of children, who are potentially at significant risk of harm or have witnessed a significant incident. The Team works very closely with our partners in Fife Police and Health services through the Interagency Referral Discussion (IRD) process and to ensure coordinated investigations. 

The Child Protection Team has grown and developed over the last year to navigate the adoption of the new nationally trained model for joint investigative interviews of children, the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM). This new training model is an in depth, trauma informed programme aimed at improving the quality of forensic interviews in order to limit children’s exposure to the Court’s and ensure best evidence for criminal and civil proceedings. 

The Child Protection Team is made up of 10 FTE Social Workers, 4 Senior Practitioners, a Team Manager and a Social Work Assistant. The Child Protection Team social worker will carry out Joint Investigative Interviews with police officers from Police Scotland Public Protection Unit. The Team are currently interviewing children using the SCIM model and also the Stepwise model. It is not essential to already be joint interview trained to apply for this role. This training may be offered to you when possible to do so.  Further to the investigations and interviews of children, we are a social work team and have case responsibility for the children we work with to ensure they are safe and their needs are being suitably met. This will see social workers within the team 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. 

It is recognised that this is challenging work and there is an emotional impact. However, there is a good level of support within the Child Protection Team and Fife Council, to help worker’s process the work and balance the demands. 

The posts are full-time permanent positions within the Child Protection Team, working 36 hours a week. The hours of work are 08:48 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. It is however sometimes necessary to work out-with those hours. The Council operates a flexible working scheme and a blended model between office and home working. The Child Protection Team is based from Roxburgh Road Council office 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 in order to keep children safe.

It would be advantageous if you are already trained to undertake joint investigative interviews (Scottish Child Interview Model or Stepwise). However, it is not essential as there may be the opportunity to access the new national joint interview training programme 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.

You may be required to obtain a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme Membership or Disclosure Check for this role

Until 5th March 2023, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you join the social care sector (certain roles only) for the first time and the role requires PVG membership. This is a great time to consider a change of career into Social Care as, if eligible, this initiative could personally save you up to £59.00. You will also save money on your SSSC fees as these will now be paid for all roles and grades by the Scottish Government.

For Further Information Please Contact: Michelle Best, [email protected]