Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS) (Grade Code: 350Y)

Transcription

1 Social Worker, Principal Child and Family Agency Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS) Job Specification and Terms and Conditions Job Title and Grade Social Worker, Principal Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS) (Grade Code: 350Y) Campaign NRS03352 Reference Closing Date 12 noon on Monday 25 th January 2016 Proposed Interview Date (s) Taking up Appointment Location of Post Late February 2016 A start date will be indicated at job offer stage There is currently one permanent, whole-time vacancy available based in Dublin; with a national remit Informal Enquiries Dr Sinead Reynolds, National ACTS Manager sinead.reynolds@tusla.ie Details of Service This post is to support the development and management of national services for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. The principal social worker will work closely with the principal psychologist to develop and manage this service. Services will be provided by a multidisciplinary team according to a core and cluster model with some clinicians employed directly and others being seconded from other services. The person appointed to this post will engage in clinical work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering a clinical service to young people and families. Under the Child and Family Act, 2013, the Child and Family Agency is now the dedicated state agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. The Agency operates under the remit of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and. The Agency works with the Department to provide leadership to statutory and non-statutory 1

2 agencies, to ensure that the conditions needed to achieve children s wellbeing and development are fulfilled. The Agency operates under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, legislation which brings together the Child and Family Agency (the Agency) a number of child-related services ranging from family and educational supports to psychological supports and care and protection services. Children are at the heart of the legislation and families are seen as the foundation of a strong healthy community where children can flourish. Partnership and co-operation in the delivery of seamless services to children and families are also central to the Act. Reporting Relationship Purpose of the Post The Principal Social Worker will initially report to TUSLA National ACTS Manager or their designee The Principal Social Worker will work with senior management and the heads of discipline/services to ensure co-ordinated and comprehensive service delivery to, and effective communication with, all stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for the delivery, development and governance of quality social work services and will contribute significantly to service planning, development, evaluation and quality initiatives. Such social work leadership and services will be provided in line with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy. The post holder will also provide clinical leadership and line management to the social work team within the service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Professional / Clinical The Principal Social Worker will: Be responsible for the overall management and performance of social work activity within the designated area in keeping with good professional practice and subject to agreed policy directives and priorities. Provide clinical and professional leadership in the delivery of a high quality social work service. Take direct responsibility for a defined caseload. Ensure the promotion of the social model of care. Develop good working relationships with other heads of discipline and the ACTS national manager, other professionals, specialist services, community and voluntary organisations to provide integrated quality care to service users. Develop and promote integrated models of service delivery 2

3 between relevant stakeholders. Ensure the implementation of current and evolving legislation, policies and procedures, guidelines and protocols. Ensure anti-discriminatory practice and cultural competence, at individual and service levels. Seek the development of fair and equitable social policy and where inequalities are identified lobby for change. Contribute to the overall development of the social work service so as to meet current and emerging trends and unmet needs. Help and advise the management team in the planning and provision of social work services within the service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour Facilitate clear channels of communication to relevant management structures in relation to social work service issues within the service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour Be responsible for the delivery of the social work service within the budget allocation. Provide professional leadership at meetings, committees and/or other fora as required. Chair and participate in meetings with the appropriate staff when the need arises. Ensure that the Social Work service values diversity and respect in the workplace. Ensure the provision of appropriate clinical supervision to staff. Avail of appropriate clinical supervision to ensure own ongoing competency to supervise other staff. Education and Training The Principal Social Worker will: Maintain standards of practice and levels of professional knowledge by participating in continuous professional development initiatives and attendance at courses as appropriate. Engage in career and professional development planning. Oversee the provision of a framework for the promotion of staff development and training by making recommendations with regard to the ongoing education, mentoring, training and inservice needs of social workers. Act as a resource by participating in the education and training 3

4 of Social Work colleagues and other health professionals as required. Build and communicate an understanding of the role and contribution of social work within the service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour. Health and Safety The Principal Social Worker will: Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards and ensure that staff comply with same. Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. Management The Principal Social Worker will: Report and advise on social work staffing needs. Oversee the implementation of appropriate induction and probationary systems. Oversee the implementation of an appropriate performance management system for the delivery of a high quality social work service. Keep updated on current and impending legislation and the perceived impact on practice. Keep abreast of developments in national policies and strategies and international best practice. Keep up to date with national and organisational developments within the Irish Health Service. Ensure service delivery corresponds to best national and international practice. Ensure Social Work service complies with relevant HR and other policies, procedures and guidelines. Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines in relation to the service for young people who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviour, engaging staff as 4

5 appropriate. Participate in and contribute to service planning and development. Formulate and review the social work service plan and contribute to the overall service plan in consultation with appropriate others. Provide service delivery reports as required e.g. service plan, annual report. Ensure that there are appropriate systems in place to gather relevant information. Ensure compliance with a high standard of documentation, including service user files in accordance with local guidelines and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Oversee service user and data confidentiality. Collaborate with the national ACTS manager or equivalent in developing the role of the Principal Social Worker and the team e.g. through planning, audit, production of standards, continuing education, quality improvement initiatives and research. Ensure that the social work service makes the most efficient and effective use of developments in IT. Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Candidates must have, at the latest date of receipt of applications: 1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc (i) Must be registered in the Social Workers Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU And (ii) Maintain live annual registration on the Social Workers Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU And (iii) Have 5 years relevant post-qualification experience And 5

6 (iv) Must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, professional and managerial ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office. Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Character Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of character Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs. Post Specific Requirements Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with those affected by child sexual abuse and matters of child maltreatment; including experience with young people who have sexually harmed others and their families. Demonstrate significant experience in engaging in therapeutic work with young people, their families and carers. (This post involves direct work with young people and their families/carers. In addition this post involves leading a department who will also be engaging in direct work with young people, families and carers). Demonstrate interest in and/ or experience of: o Leading others in the provision of therapeutic supports o Working in a therapeutic role on a multidisciplinary team o Additional psychotherapy qualifications Other requirements specific to the post Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Access to transport as post will involve travel In-depth knowledge of all Child Care Legislation, social work theory including attachment, child development etc. Demonstrate sufficient clinical and professional knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice. Demonstrate the capacity to manage, plan and deliver the social work service in an effective and resourceful manner within a model of person-centred care. Demonstrate the ability to manage and develop self and others 6

7 in a busy working environment. Demonstrate effective supervision skills. Display effective interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills including skills in multi-disciplinary working and the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, etc. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, make effective decisions and solve problems especially with regard to service delivery. Demonstrate ability to facilitate change and improved service delivery. Demonstrate initiative and innovation in identifying areas for service improvement. Demonstrate a commitment to delivering a quality user-centred service. Display awareness and appreciation of the service user as expert through experience including promoting the role of service user in care planning and decision-making and service development. Demonstrate the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect. Demonstrate strong leadership and team skills. Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role. Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development. Campaign Specific Selection Process Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. Code of Practice Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in bands depending on the service needs of the organisation. The Health Service Executive on behalf of The Child and Family Agency, Tusla will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle 7

8 basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilitates for applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled Code of Practice, Information for Candidates. Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled Code of Practice, Information for Candidates or on The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed. This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. 8

9 Principal Social Worker Child and Family Agency Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service (SHBS) Tenure Remuneration Working Week Annual Leave Terms and Conditions of Employment The current vacancy is permanent and whole-time. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at expression of interest stage. Appointment as an employee of the Child and Family Agency - Tusla is governed by the Health Act and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act The Salary scale for the post as at (01/07/2013) is: 63,886 65,000 65,750 68,417 71,084-73,754 The standard working week apply to the post is 37 hours The annual leave associated with the post is: 30 days Superannuation All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme. Probation Age Health Character Every permanent appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Child and Family Agency or Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No. 10/71. Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004) A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character. 9

10 Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001 Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale ( 64,812 as at ) National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment. Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale ( 64,812 as at ) are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below; A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post. This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not later than 31 st January in the following year. B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the Child and Family Agency and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest. A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer. The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer. C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission s website All Employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role. 10