Social Worker (Reunification Service)

Are you passionate about working with children and families in need? The SSF-R team is looking for suitable social workers to provide intensive family reunification services to reunite children and young persons (CYP) in out-of-home care with their families. The services we provide are strengths-based, child-centric and family-focused. The SSF-R professional must be able to work independently and proficiently to safeguard and promote the safety and well-being needs of CYP. In order to serve these families best, a demonstrated willingness to work with a flexible schedule (i.e. evenings and weekends) will be vital. Join the SSF-R team today!

Job Scope

1. Assessment

• Assess the suitability of reunification for CYP in out-of-home care
• Assess needs and strengths of family and areas of intervention to provide safe care
• Assess child safety and well-being on an ongoing basis

2. Strengthening (Familial) Relationships

• Collaborate with CYP, families and networks to develop a viable reunification plan
• Facilitate and evaluate contact between CYP and families

3. In-Family Coaching and Support

• Provide in-home coaching and/or therapeutic interventions to support carers in meeting the safety and well-being needs of CYP
• Develop and review safety plans with CYP, families and their networks
• Collaborate with families, their networks and community partners to ensure that safety and well-being needs of CYP will be met in the long term, and reunification with the family will be sustained and permanent

4. System intervention

• Address system barriers that prevents CYP from returning home (e.g. child care arrangements, housing, etc)

Job Requirements

• Degree in Social Work
• At least 2 years of relevant casework experience working with children, young persons and families; prior experience in reunification work with children and young persons in need of care and protection preferred
• Willing to work on a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Able to respond to crisis situations promptly, when needed
• Committed to ensuring child safety and promoting child well-being
• Willing to provide home-based intervention

Additional Qualities Suitable for Job Fit

• Strengths based in practice orientation
• Not biased against birth families
• Able to manage high-risk and complex cases independently
• Able to effectively contribute as a team member to enhance the team’s professional development and service delivery
• Strong ability to collaborate with systems, e.g. birth families, community agencies and other stakeholders
• Cross-culturally competent
• Adaptable and takes initiative
• Insightful and reflective
• Able to use humour and be playful