Social Support Workers – Looked After Children (LAC)

The Role

The Social Support Worker shall provide practical support and assistance to social workers and other professionals and shall be assigned to specific services according to operational needs. The duties and responsibilities of the role may therefore vary depending on the service to which the employee is assigned and the operational requirements of that service.

The primary purpose of the role is to facilitate and implement the practical aspects of an agreed care or intervention plan by undertaking tasks that support the work of professional staff. The Social Support Worker shall assist service users in achieving the objectives identified within their care plan through the provision of practical guidance, supervision, coaching, and support. Whilst expected to engage with service users in an empathetic, respectful, and supportive manner, the role does not include the provision of therapeutic interventions or professional case management.

The Social Support Worker shall support service users in accessing services and maintaining their appointments by accompanying minors, where required, to medical appointments, case reviews, court hearings, educational appointments, and any other meetings or activities identified within the care or intervention plan. The role also includes assisting service users to travel safely, ensuring that appointments are attended punctually, supervising contact sessions and other activities as directed, and promoting the development of practical life skills and independence through coaching and guidance under the direction of the responsible professional.

The Social Support Worker shall maintain accurate records, communicate relevant observations to the responsible professionals, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the effective implementation of support plans. The post holder shall carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may reasonably be assigned by management in accordance with the operational needs of the service.

The Social Support Worker shall report directly to the Team Leader or the Manager, as applicable. The position is tied to the remuneration package in accordance with the FSWS Collective Agreement at Grade 7, as applicable, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions established under Recruitment Policy No. 16.

The Persons

Individuals interested in this role must have an MQF level 4 Qualification related to social care.

Candidates must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must be fluent in Maltese and English to be eligible for an interview. Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials. Applicants in possession of a foreign qualification/s are to produce with their application, a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). In addition, candidates are requested to submit an updated CV including 2 referees’ contact details and valid police conduct.