The Assessment Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the effective delivery of reception, investigation and assessment services in promoting child welfare and the development of safe practices in work with children.
CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
JOB DESCRIPTION – ASSESSMENT MANAGER
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Job Title: Assessment Manager
Department: Assessment
Section: Care, Legal and Regulatory Services
Reports to: Deputy Director, Care, Legal and Regulatory Services
Direct Reports: Team Leader, Children's Services
Indirect Reports: Children’s Services Associate, Children’s Services Assistant
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JOB SUMMARY
The Assessment Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the effective delivery of reception, investigation and assessment services in promoting child welfare and the development of safe practices in work with children. The incumbent establishes the framework within which cases referred to the Authority can be investigated, and children received and assessed in a manner that ensures the best interests and outcomes for the children.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Develops and implements the reception, investigation and assessment services framework, structures, systems, policies, programmes and protocols that address the health, safety, well-being and developmental needs of children and young people who have been harmed or are at risk of harm.
Develops and implements early intervention strategies for children who are vulnerable or at risk which may prevent serious harm from happening to them at a later stage.
Oversees the implementation of effective intake, assessment and investigative procedures that take into consideration the fact that a child’s age, gender and background affect the way he/she experiences and understands what is happening.
Ensures adherence to quality practice in working with children and young people, their families, foster caregivers, service providers, and other agencies involved in the provision of child protection services.
Establishes and maintains a proper record-keeping system that enables efficient and effective case processing and tracking, while providing children with the highest quality of care and protection from all forms of harm.
Designs and implements a proper reporting system of suspected or actual child abuse, with clear guidelines and procedures that will provide the quality of information necessary to ensure a successful conclusion in the best interests of the child.
Works closely with the Deputy Director, Care, Legal and Regulatory Services and other section managers to ensure that the reception, investigation and assessment process and services are transparent, time-conscious, adheres to the Authority’s quality standards, and are responsive to customers’ needs and environmental changes.
Provides professional advice, and presents regular reports, through the Deputy Director, Care, Legal and Regulatory Services to the Director and the Board of Management on the operational activities of the Reception, Investigation and Assessment Section.
Builds, maintains and develops effective relationships and collaboration with agencies and organisations within communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago in order to meet community needs and ensure better service delivery to child protection clients.
Develops and conducts comprehensive induction, on-going training programmes and regular professional development opportunities for stakeholders (including Authority staff) to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to provide excellent services to their clients.
Supervises, coaches and mentors the staff of the Reception, Investigation and Assessment Section including scheduled performance reviews and implementation of personal improvement plans.
Fosters an environment of teamwork and unity of purpose among staff within the Reception, Investigation and Assessment Section, and between the Section and other Sections and Departments of the Authority.
Represents the Authority in an official capacity, as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Psychology, Counselling, Management or related field from a recognised university is essential.
A post-graduate certification in Social Work would be an asset.
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in the social services field, with at least five (5) years at a managerial level.
Or an equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
Strong organisational skills.
Demonstrated competence in the establishment and monitoring of qualitative and quantitative standards.
Demonstrable interest in children, their needs and rights.
Excellent knowledge of investigative methods in childcare issues.
Ability to work with professionals in various fields toward a single goal.
Experience working with children and families, and in court.
Excellent customer service orientation.
Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the organisation, and with external stakeholders.
Ability to counsel and advise Senior Executives, Managers and all levels of staff on sensitive reception, investigation and assessment issues, and appropriate courses of action.
Knowledge of social services intervention strategies.
Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of the laws relevant to the protection and safety of children.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written).
Excellent presentation skills.
Competent in computer usage and the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes (including Word, Excel and Power Point)
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Kindly submit applications no later than Friday 11th December, 2015.