Scottish Spina Bifida Association

Stronger Links- Stronger Families Key Worker (Early Years)

Direct Services at SSBA have the key aims of;

1. Increasing awareness and understanding of spina bifida and hydrocephalus across Scotland so that those affected are empowered and supported appropriately to achieve their potential

2. Offering support to families and adults affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus so that they are empowered to reach their potential

Direct Services use a person-centred approach to tailor information and support appropriately according to individual need. SSBA works in partnership with other agencies to provide information and support to those affected from antenatal diagnosis throughout the lifespan.

The Key Worker Role:

To deliver proactive family support for families living in Lothian, Borders and Fife who are caring for a child under 10 years old who has spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. This post is funded until September 2017.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

To initiate and maintain contact as key worker with families in the 3 areas in Scotland and deliver a programme of appropriate support agreed with the Project Coordinator

Ø To deliver direct support to a caseload of children and families involved in the project as agreed with the Project Coordinator

Ø Encourage the involvement of parents and children in all aspects of shaping and developing the Stronger Links –Stronger Families Project

Ø To assist the Project Coordinator in the monitoring and evaluation of work with parents and children using the project

Ø To offer a comprehensive support plan to families tailored to their needs using the national GIRFEC framework

Ø Report relevant concerns, needs or issues affecting parents and children using the project to the Project Coordinator and record any unmet needs

Ø Provide information and support for service users to enable them to access local support services and community and leisure facilities and/or referring them to appropriate services to meet identified needs

Ø Maintain accurate records to ensure efficient documentation and provide data (qualitative and quantitative) to be used for monitoring progress, identifying needs and influencing future planning of services offered to service users in Lothian, Borders and Fife

Ø Develop and maintain links with relevant statutory agencies, voluntary sector organisations and key health contacts in the main ante-natal and children’s hospitals to raise awareness of service users issues and their needs.

Ø To attend training as required and as identified through regular supervision and appraisal

Ø To liaise regularly with the Project Coordinator, and when requested to attend staff and team meetings and provide written progress, monitoring and evaluation reports.

Ø All employees are expected to read and abide by The Scottish Spina Bifida Association’s Policies and Procedures.

Ø Maintain confidentiality with regard to personal information relating to individual users of the service

Ø Attend and contribute to meetings, including regular supervision, team meetings and training

Ø Work as part of a team contributing to the development and smooth running of the Project

Ø Undertake other duties that may reasonably be requested by line manager

Accountable to: Project Coordinator

Place of Work: Home Based with regular travel

Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Hours will vary depending on activities of the Project, individual work, training and meetings. Note: Work could be out with normal office hours, including evening and some weekends

Personal Specification – Stronger Links Stronger Families Key Worker (Early Years)

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/Education / Ø Early years experience
Ø Relevant Social Work/ Health Care Qualification
Knowledge / Ø Of the impact of long-term conditions and disabilities
Ø Able to use a database and have good knowledge of IT
Ø Current legislation relating to health and social care in the community / Ø Of the work of the voluntary sector
Ø Of the work of Health & Social services in relation to young people with disabilities and their carers
Experience / Direct experience of;
Ø Working on own initiative
Ø Working with children and families
Ø Group Work / Ø Multi-disciplinary working
Ø Working with or within the voluntary sector
Ø Health and Social Care services and community provision
Ø Working Families with children and young people with disabilities
Abilities and skills / Ø Good communication skills
Ø Ability to plan and organise own work
Ø Ability to work as part of a team and on your own
Ø Ability to communicate well with other agencies
Ø Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ø Ability to travel around Scotland and visit families in their own homes efficiently / Ø Ability to respond positively to new situations
Ø Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Ø Good planning and time management skills
Personal Qualities / Ø Able to maintain good working relationships with people at all levels.
Ø Confident
Ø Flexible
Ø Enthusiastic
Ø Positive attitude
Ø Empathic / Ø Creative
Ø Good sense of humour
Circumstances / Ø Able to work outside normal working hours
Ø Able to use public transport cost effectively for work purposes
Ø Access to own car and current driving licence / Ø Hold a current clean driving licence

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