The Close Support Team provide assessment, intensive support and intervention for families and carers in crisis where there is risk of breakdown. The team is part of a wider strategy to ensure that families in Fife get the right support at a time when it is needed most. The team works alongside workers in our locality teams with families and carers to provide support with a view to prevent family breakdown and unplanned admissions to care. The role of the team is to work to stabilise a situation with a view to support future planning and any transitions to longer term supports if required.

The team also supports our young people in Fife Council residential homes and beyond; focus is on helping young people as they move on to independent and semi-independent living. Again, the focus is direct work to support and prepare them for the next stage of their care journey ensuring they get the right support at the times when they need it most as part of the team around the child/young person.

You will be required to work a shift pattern on a 3-week rota which encompasses both days, evenings, weekends (every 3rd off) and public holidays. Enhancements are payable for unsocial hours at the weekends and public holidays. The Close Support Team operates from 9am until 8pm weekdays and 9am until 10pm at weekends. Staff work various shifts within these hours (9am-5pm, 12-8pm & 2pm-10pm). These shifts can be reviewed dependent on the needs of the service. Driving is essential.

Day to day task include, but are not restricted to:

• Undertaking assessment in order to provide support and intervention to stabilise a crisis situation

• Providing focused and flexible support to families/carers and young people, working creatively to stabilise a young person’s living situation utilising a strength based, solution focused approach reflecting the principles of The Promise and GIRFEC.

• Contribute to the development of support and safety plans with families/carers/residential teams/social work teams, with particular focus on supporting family decision making and promoting networks of support.

• Work closely with colleagues in the locality teams and partner agencies to progress a transition alternative, planned supports in a timely manner using the wellbeing pathway

• ‘A link to the role profile is included below. You will find more information about the job and the type of person we are looking for’

• We pay the Scottish Local Government Living Wage for this post.

The Person

Considerable experience in a relevant setting either dealing with crisis or working with children, young people and their families.

Knowledge and understanding of Child and Adult Protection guidelines and information sharing protocols.

Experience of joint working to achieve common goals.

Experience of providing direct one to one support to families and young people

Before confirming your appointment, you will be required to obtain Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland.

Further Information

• Role Profile - When preparing your supporting statement, review the role profile and think about how you meet the essential criteria Role Profile

• How We Work Matters - Our employees are expected to display and promote certain behaviours in the workplace. See our How We Work Matters behaviour framework for more information.

• Employee Benefits - Employees have access to a benefits package that offers discounts on a wide range of products and services

• Directorate Information - Council Department information

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• Alternative Formats - Job information can be made available in alternative formats, to make a request please email: transactions.recruitment@fife.gov.uk

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For further information please contact: Fiona McLaughlin at fiona.mclaughlin@fife.gov.uk or Michael Hunter at Michael.Hunter@fife.gov.uk