Resident Social Worker

·         Ensure that social work reports together with any assessment reports, birth certificates, school reports, court orders etc. are received and that the admissions form is completed

·         Receive the child and together with the CYCW manager help the child to settle in, show them around, introduce them to others etc.

·         Residential social worker to meet with the child on a regular basis in the month after admission in order to ascertain state of mind and emotional wellbeing, and to give feedback to the case manager.

·         Ensure that staff have information they need about the child and that all staff are playing their respective roles

Statutory function

·         To compile and submit court reports, such as Section 159, 176 and progress report timeously

·         To prepare children for court appearances, such Section 159 extensions, finalization of placement

·         Progress reports

Therapeutic intervention

To provide and coordinate holistic therapeutic intervention

• To develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each child based on the child’s developmental, emotional, educational and social needs in consultation with relevant role players with       relevant role players, such as cycw’s case manager, family, therapist, school, child etc.
•  To monitor and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each child every 6 months
• Monitor the child’s progress and well-being through regular assessments and interactions
• To set up case conferences with relevant role players, such as case manager, family, therapist, school, child etc. to discuss the child’s progress, provide feedback and set future goals.
• Provide counseling and emotional support to children and youth to address trauma, emotional difficulties and behavioral challenges
• Facilitate group sessions focusing on life skills, such as bullying, conflict resolution, problem solving etc.
• To co-ordinate therapeutic services such as psychiatric, psychological assessments, occupational therapy, speech therapy etc. as required for each child
• To provide ongoing intervention and support to young adults becoming independent.
• To meet with the young adult once a month to discuss progress and set or adjust future goals. Provide support, address problems, provide guidance and address issue
• Developing programmes and policies
• Regular liaison, communication, follow up and feedback with the CYCW team to ensure therapeutic interventions are consistently followed in the house
• Coordinate regular case conferences with case manager, parents and children

Education

·         Ensure that children are correctly placed in schools

·         Feedback and liaison with schools regarding academic progress

·         Liaison with school regarding emotional and behavioural issues

Crisis Management

·         Identify and respond to any signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation within residential care setting

·         Manage crises effectively, including behavioural incidents or emergencies, ensuring the safety of all involved

·         Ensuring safety plans are in place for children where necessary

Liaison and Coordination

• Work closely with relevant professionals within and outside of the organization, for example child and youth care workers, schools, psychologists, healthcare providers, and other professionals to deliver holistic support

Administration

·         Ensure that all relevant documents, such as court orders, school reports, process notes, court reports and assessments are on file

·         To open files (hardcopy / Chevnet) for new admissions

·         Maintain accurate, confidential process notes of all interactions

·         Keep admission and discharge register up to date

·         Keep Section 159 and Section 176 register up to date

·         Submit monthly statistics timeously to the Department of Social Development

·         To ensure that monthly statistics are on file

·         To communicate all relevant arrangements on correspondence, such as appointments, visits, outings, special arrangement etc.

·         Attendance and participation of multi- professional team and staff meetings

·         Ensure social work policies and SOP’s are regularly updated

Other

• On call after hours and weekends to provide assistance if required.
• Manage the complaints of children – refer to relevant person for investigation, ensure that the complaint is resolved and give feedback to the children
• Weekly house meetings with the children

Professional development

·         Maintaining and developing appropriate professional qualifications, skills and knowledge

·         Furthering own professional development by making use of internal and external development opportunities

·         Attending regular supervision meetings