CHILDREN'S SERVICES ASSOCIATE-ASSESSMENT / INVESTIGATION

Children Services Associate - Assessment/Investigation

THE CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

JOB DESCRIPTION - CHILDREN SERVICES ASSOCIATE

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  17TH SEPTEMBER, 2014

UNSUITABLE APPLLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED

Job Title:     Children Services Associate (Assessment AND Investigation)

Department:Care Services         

Section:       Care, Legal and Regulatory Services

Reports to:  Team Leader, Children & Family Services

Direct Reports: NA

Indirect Reports: NA

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JOB SUMMARY

The Children Services Associate (Assessment/Investigation) is responsible for investigating and assessing cases referred to the Authority with a view to determine what placement decision should be taken, in the best interest of the child and what continuing support is needed to secure the best outcomes for the child. The role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments and interventions involving children, parents, and families, to determine their needs. Additionally, the Associate will develop intervention plans to address those needs to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.  All these services will be delivered in keeping with best practice, while respecting and promoting the rights of the child.

When carrying out this responsibility the Associate will be required to appear before the courts and access children where they live in private homes and Community Residences.

All activities must be geared towards maintaining the highest levels of service to all internal and external stakeholders and clients, must be sensitive to children’s issues, must conform to the guidelines and standards set by the Authority and to all legal, regulatory and statutory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Authority by implementing the children and families services framework, structures, systems, policies, programmes and protocols to support the Authority’s mandate.

    

2. Screens all incoming referrals according to a prescribed Risk Assessment tool to determine whether a child is at significant risk and decides on what actions are to be taken to ensure the child’s immediate and long term safety, protection and well-being.

    

3. Secures specialist services to assist with the initial assessment of the child.

4. Does the appropriate referral of a child to existing service providers for care and services.

    

1. Assesses the circumstances of each child referred, determine their needs and formulate long term plans for meeting those needs; focusing on the goal of preserving the family, reunifying the family, or achieving permanent placement in another family unit.

    

2.       Counsels children and families on a wide range of social issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, medical care and assist them in determining strategies and actions to resolve and improve their situation.

    

3. Attends court as part of a team that makes a petition to the court or provides testimony on behalf of a child.

    

4. Works collaboratively with community residences and other residential placements to guide them in the development of Care Plans and other interventions to support and improve the well-being of the child.

1. Refers clients to community resources for social services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance.

    

2. Coordinates services for clients with multi-disciplinary professionals in order for a comprehensive investigation to be completed with as little trauma to the child as possible.

1. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with community agencies and resources which provide support services to children and families so that appropriate referrals can be made or support services accessed. 

    

2. Interacts meaningfully with persons and organisations that refer children to the Authority with a view to understanding the issues related to the child so that decisions can be taken in the best interest of the child.

    

3. Serves as advocates/liaisons between children, and service providers such as homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help them integrate and maximize the benefits received.

    

1. Works collaboratively with ad hoc and specialized teams established to address issues related to Assessment & Evaluation; Foster Care; Residential Placement and Family Reintegration for children.

    

2. Establish a regime to provide regular visits to children in care to assess and maintain their safety and well-being and to ensure that their intervention plans are being implemented. 

1. Maintains documented records of the personal history, interventions and action plans related to each child assessed.  

1. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications and participating in professional societies and advising on trends in social services management.

    

2. Supports the development and maintenance of a team environment by performing other related duties.

    

    

    

   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

    

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Psychology, Counselling or Management or related field.

   

• One year’s experience in the social services field would be an asset.

• Voluntary experience working with children and/or families.

• Working knowledge of social services agencies in Trinidad and Tobago.

• Working knowledge of social problems and cultural norms in Trinidad and Tobago, especially as they relate to children.

• Working knowledge of laws relating to the protection of children

• Working knowledge of social intervention strategies.

• Or equivalent combination of training and experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Confidentiality with respect to information records concerning families and children.

• Communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills.

• Planning and organizational skills.

• Team work skills.

   

• Analytical and problem solving skills.

   

• Customer service orientation.

   

• Demonstrable interest in children, their needs and rights.