Aftercare Worker

AllPro Recruitment are seeking an Aftercare Worker on behalf of our public sector client. This is an initial 6 month contract with view to extension, based in Swords, Co Dublin - full time, 39 hour week, Monday-Friday.

Applicants must be a CORU registered Social Care Worker or have proof of awaiting registration at time of interview.

About the Aftercare Service

A dedicated service provided within the organisation in partnership with a wide range of Statutory, Voluntary and Community Agencies to Young People who are preparing to leave or have left the care of the organisation.

Leaving and Aftercare is a thorough care process, beginning from reception into care. In transition from being looked after, in collaboration with the Young Person, their Families and / or Carers, the Leaving and Aftercare Service assist to identify and develop a wide network of support for the Young Person / Young Adult to achieve their full Potential.

The Aftercare Service will support, guide and signpost the young adult in all aspects of their life for the period until early adulthood.

Purpose of Role:

To give guidance and support in consultation with eligible young people who are in transition from care or young adults who have previously left care through the Aftercare Service within the organisation to ensure best outcomes are achieved.

• Liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the young person / young adult.

• Responsibility for providing on-going support and assessment of need for young people allocated a worker as outlined in their Aftercare Plan.

• Responsibility for the provision of advice, guidance and support to those availing of an Aftercare Drop-in Service.

• The Aftercare Worker will adhere to the Aftercare Service Policy Guidance Document on ‘Informed Consent’ at all times when sharing information. The Aftercare worker will represent the young adult where consent is given in all inter-departmental discussions in relation to accessing services as an adult, including mental health, on housing issues, accessing financial support.

• Workwith partner agencies in the provision of an aftercare service.

• Work with other aftercare workers in the provision of a drop in Service

• Promote a culture where young people are treated with dignity and respect, promoting a culture of unconditional positive regard at all times

• Promote physical, emotional, social, cultural, ethnic, spiritual and religious welfare of each service user.

• Advocate on behalf of the young person / young adult.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working with Young people / Young adults:

• Participate in the development and implementation of Aftercare Plans and Financial Needs Assessment Plans and to ensure appropriate recording of same. Including responsibility for undertaking a leaving care assessment in line with policy requirements in order to inform the aftercare plan.

• Responsibility to review Aftercare plans as per policy / legislative requirements.

• At 18 years of age the Aftercare Worker will take the lead on the provision of service to the young adult.

• Responsible for supporting the implementation of the Aftercare plan

• Liaise with accommodation, welfare, education and training resources to source appropriate services for young people leaving the care setting

• Promote the rights and responsibilities of each person within the service setting e.g. following complaints procedure guidelines

• Ensure the involvement of young people and young adults in decision-making on matters that affect their lives, at the individual and collective levels and proactively promote within Aftercare Service provision a range of structures, procedures, processes and practices to give young people and young adults the opportunity to have their voices heard and valued.

• Work as part of the Aftercare Team to promote Aftercare Services

• Key role in supporting those who are directly supporting young people in aftercare and for working in close collaboration

• Key role advocating on the behalf of young people leaving care with other agencies with particular regard to housing, social welfare, education and training, community resources and counselling services.

• Complete Court Reports when requested for review by Aftercare Manager and attend Court as if necessary and as required

• Required to hold a balanced case load as per Aftercare Service national requirements.

• Supervise Social Care students as appropriate

Record Maintenance

• Maintain written records and financial records to a high standard

• Make written and verbal reports on the progress of development of the young person/ Young Adult.

• Complete Individual Financial Assessment Plans as required

• Review Individual Financial Assessment Plans where necessary

• Co-operate with external monitoring and statutory inspections and implement their recommendations

• Prepare reports for and to participate in professional meetings

Administration and Accountability:

• Attend all relative/appropriate meetings and report to the Aftercare Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service

• Participate in Child in Care Reviews, Strategy Meetings and Child Protection Case Conferences with Social Worker or other care staff where appropriate

• Be accountable for any money spent on behalf of the organisation

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and / or Experience

• Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board maintained by CORU or
• Have proof of application for CORU registration as a Social Care Worker and have graduated from a CORU approved course
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a social care setting, preferably in younger people's services
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong IT skills
• Must have a full Irish driving licence and own vehicle