Inter-Country Caseworker

Job Outline:

CFAB is a national charity and the UK branch of the International Social Service network. CFAB’s social work team helps to resolve cases involving child protection, children in care, unaccompanied children, and vulnerable adults when the case crosses international borders. CFAB social workers and caseworkers offer advice and guidance to individuals and local authorities and help to link social work services between the UK and other countries.

The main purpose of this role is to assist with the day to day running of the CFAB Advice Line and manage a caseload of allocated inter-country cases originating from the UK or overseas.

Key responsibilities:

To participate in running the advice line service and responding to enquiries made to CFAB:

• Offer advice to local authority professionals, NGOs and individuals on international child protection issues and casework
• Advise on CFAB referral procedure and fees
• Send follow-up information and documents to enquirers
• Liaise with overseas partners for advice and country-specific information

To manage a caseload of allocated cases originating from the UK or overseas:

• Offer advice and guidance to referrers on good practice in international child protection casework
• Assess cases referred to CFAB, identifying the intervention required and the   resources/agency to undertake it
• Prepare information for referral abroad or to an agency in the UK
• Establish, develop and maintain good relationships with clients and/or agencies in the UK and overseas to ensure the progression of cases to resolution
• Ensure smooth implementation of finance systems including invoicing for casework
• Ensure that all cases are dealt with in a manner consistent with CFAB guidelines and good practice standards

To support administration and quality assurance of CFAB’s case management:

• Collate and compile data on country information
• Input new case referrals to electronic case system
• Support the preparation for weekly case allocations meetings
• Monitor incoming email enquiries and referrals
• Liaise with social work database provider on behalf of the Social Work Team
• Update and maintain team databases

To support the development of the Social Work Team and wider CFAB team:

• Participate in social work and CFAB team meetings
• Actively participate in regular supervision meetings with line manager
• Represent CFAB appropriately to external partners
• Contribute to special projects and training delivery as required

To be adaptable and willing to take on new roles and responsibilities as the services of CFAB develop in response to the changing needs

 Person specification:  (Skills, Abilities, Knowledge and Experience)

Essential:

• Degree level education or equivalent work experience
• Understanding of the local and international rights of children and families
• Understanding of the needs of children separated from their families and at risk of harm
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently
• Ability to establish good relationships with service users and stakeholders
• Reliability and commitment
• I.T. literate
• Fluency in English
• Ability to plan, record and evaluate through recording and written reports
• Ability to work non-judgementally with vulnerable clients
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable:

• Work experience in relevant child and family work
• Experience in advice work/working on a helpline
• Fluency in Spanish, French, or another language
• Good presentation skills
• Experience of working with vulnerable children or adults
• Knowledge of Salesforce
• Knowledge of domestic and international child protection legislation and policies