Child Development Officer at Child Life-Line

Department
Outreach Department

Reporting to
Program Manager

Purpose of Job
Reporting to the Program Manager on regulatory matters, and policy and strategy development and implementation; however, you will also support and take direction on day-to-day activities from the Outreach Officer. You will be an enthusiastic practitioner with a proactive approach. Skilled in collaborative working, recognising the importance and commitment required in the role. You must be an excellent communicator at all levels, demonstrate diplomacy, tact and with the ability to establish clarity. The post holder will form an integral part of the child/young person’s care team and will contribute to the vision of Child Life-Line by linking strategy to operation to ensure excellent delivery in Child Life Line’s Outreach Program.

Major tasks and job activities

• Supporting the Program Manager and Outreach Department, you will be responsible for the development and successful implementation of first contact service at Child Life-Line Children/Young Persons program
• You will demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of regulatory frameworks and keep abreast of related legislation. (Child Protection Policy, Child Right Acts and Child Participation Policy)
• You will support the management and development of Child Life-Line and its programs, ensuring positive interaction with the children and families and contribute towards effective working practices.
• You will support the key worker system of staffing within the Centres.
• You will provide a service that respects children’s life experiences and celebrates diversity in terms of language, culture, ability, race and religion.
• You will support the continuing development of the Centre, sharing information involved in the development of highest quality service for young children and their families.
• You will share tasks necessary for the general upkeep and standards of hygiene of the Centre, including laundry, cleaning and equipment monitoring.
• You will support the Outreach Department by taking part in trips and outings on Family Tracing/Re-integration and Re-unification

Job Features
Planning and Organising

• You will work closely with the Program Manager, Outreach Officer and other senior staff to support the development and continuous improvement of the Centre.
• Plan effectively and efficiently to meet desired standards
• Plan and organise own workload and support staff in planning and organising duties.
• Maintain the highest standard of hygiene within the Centre.
• Support the management and organisation of effective teams.

Decision Making
Support operational decisions to ensure best practices are adhered to.

Internal/External Relationships

• You will liaise with staff and parents, ensuring communication systems are effective.
• You will attend staff team meetings.
• You will adhere to communication systems to share information throughout the team efficiently and effectively.
• You will link relevant agencies to provide excellent integrated services.
• You will form positive professional relationships with community service providers

Problem Solving

• Approach each area of development with a professional attitude.
• You will apply convergent and divergent approaches to challenges.

Quality

• You will be responsible for delivering high quality childcare and have the ability to understand and apply quality assessment tools.
• You will observe, help develop, implement and promote Child Life-Line Policies and Procedures.

Budgets and Finance

• You will ensure all service users treat resources with care and minimise waste
• Regulatory Requirements
• Have full understanding of Child protection and promote excellent working practices.
• You will comply with Child Rights Act

General
Any other relevant duties identified as appropriate by the Program Manager or Executive Body of the organisation.

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential
Desirable

• Minimum of NCE in Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, Childhood education etc.
• Hold or working towards Child/youth development
• Experience/Knowledge
• Minimum of 2years experience working with young children/youth.
• Experience of assessing children’s Psychological needs and progress.
• Comprehensive understanding of youth development
• Extensive knowledge of current child protection and Child Right Act legislation and requirements.
• Experience of both planning and evaluating children’s learning.
• Experience in Training on Child Abuse/ Child Protection

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills with children, colleagues, advisors and parents/carers.
• Organisation and planning skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• IT Literate (word and excel)
• Ability to exercise initiative and innovation
• Effective team working
• Creative ability
• Personal Qualities
• Reliability and trustworthiness
• Willing to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Organisation