Terms of Reference for a Senior Social Worker in the Social Services Department in Montserrat 1.0
INTRODUCTION
Montserrat is a UK Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean with a population of 4,900 people. The ongoing volcanic eruptions, which began in 1995, destroyed the capital city and the airport and rendered two-thirds of the island uninhabitable. A small community continued to keep Montserrat alive in the North. Families were torn apart as many left to live in the UK the US, Antigua and other Caribbean islands, resulting in a population decline of around 50% between 1995 and the present day. It is an island with a strong religious background and has a Christian Council that speaks on behalf of many of the churches that it represents. This population has necessarily been joined by other nationals from countries notably from Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, Santa Domingo, Puerto Rico and other nations where persons have been seeking paid employment and a ‘quieter’ life from strife in their own countries. The population now stands at nearly 5000. The influx of persons from other cultures has brought challenges of language and other cultural issues. The last census, completed in 2012/13, revealed that 27% are non-nationals.
2.0 Social Services Department (SSD): The provision of social services on Montserrat is the responsibility of the Social Services Department (SSD), under the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Previously named the Community Services Department, the SSD now reflects the different orientation of the Department’s work since the volcanic crisis some seventeen years ago. The focus over the past two years has been to introduce professional social work practice into the work of officers with all client groups. Under the supervision of the Director of Social Services, a qualified Social worker (Community Development Advisor) has been assisting the department in teaching Social work processes and practice and developing relevant assessment tools for all client groups (see Annex I for information on the structure of the SSD). SSD areas of service include:
Children and families: Child safeguarding – the “shifting” of children that occurs in the Caribbean to the UK and the US is a particular child safeguarding concern on Montserrat, as is child sexual abuse (see Annex II for additional information); development a foster care policy is a work in process as are efforts to improve the limited residential accommodation for children at risk. Community care – including monitoring of the elderly, children at risk, those living with disabilities, those at risk of domestic violence; and others at risk in the 1
community (those with mental health problems, substance abusers, those without permanent homes etc); Social welfare – including assessment for eligibility for social welfare benefits to include foster allowances and social housing. To include follow-ups of clients and assessments as per Montserrat Social Work Manual Procedures.. Working with the physically and mentally disabled, including liaison with the Mental Health Unit;
Criminal justice: working with victims and child perpetrators, providing counseling and treatment, as well as support through the court system. The Ministry of Health and Social Services Strategic Plan 20011-14 and the SSD Operational Plan 2012-13: The SSD areas of service are guided by Strategic Plans of the Ministry of Health and Social Services which highlight the need for: The implementation of child protection and fostering procedures and practice. The implementation of Social Work Procedures for persons with Disabilities including Children with Disabilities who are seen as a ‘Child in Need’ and assessed accordingly. Training of trainers for ongoing child protection training in key agencies. The implementation of Social work procedures for vulnerable adults and the elderly including those with mental health problems. The need for a safeguarding strategy for vulnerable adults and the elderly. The implementation of the Draft Fostering Policy, procedures and practice. The establishment of a combined Safeguarding Fostering and Adoption Board to monitor child abuse and protection responses on Montserrat and to review monitor and approve the relevant assessments in these areas of work. The need for consultation with the relevant stakeholders for the forthcoming Child Care and Adoption legislation 2013. Close collaboration is planned with department of the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the newly approved hospital and health care improvement project which includes strengthening and expanding care for elderly persons. Close collaboration is maintained with the Mental Health Unit. The GoM is now seeking to recruit a Senior Social Work to help take forward these social services goals.
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3.0 PURPOSE To support the Social Services Director in the development and implementation an integrated framework for social care.. To support the Social Services Director and Short Term Technical Cooperation (STTC) post holder in implementing a safeguarding and fostering /adoption framework for children including disabled children. To manage current Social Work practice in the SSD for work with Adults, the Elderly and Children. To manage the professional development of Montserrat’s SSD and implement a programme of capacity building within the Social Services Department.
4.0 SCOPE OF WORK The Senior Social Worker has the following principal responsibilities:
The development and implementation of an integrated framework for social care.
Supports multi-disciplinary working, developing and maintaining where needed strategic and operational partnership with health, education, police and civil society to ensure that multi-agency work maximises the impact of front line service delivery;
Work in conjunction with existing relevant NGO’s on the island eg Red Cross, Old People’s Welfare Association (OPWA) and the Montserrat Association for Persons with a Disability (MAPD) Montserrat Children’s Society (MCS) and others.
Focus on prevention in social services front line delivery. This includes the planning and management of assessments and support services in a timely and effective way, to ensure that children and families; adults and elderly persons that need services are identified at the earliest possible stage.
Supervise the implementation (and if necessary develop/update policy) of policies procedures and multi-agency (M/A) protocols with regards to children, including those with disabilities in line with the current multi-agency safeguarding initiative. This to be done in conjunction with the Child Safeguarding Specialist.
Supervise the introduction and implementation of the safeguarding strategy policies procedures and multi-agency protocols with regards to vulnerable adults (including those with disabilities) and the elderly in conjunction with the 3
new hospital initiative. Support the development of an elderly safeguarding strategy with related protocols and guidelines.
Oversee engagement in conjunction with the STTC Child Safeguarding Specialist, Child Care Officer and CDO’s with Civil Society in support of the National Safeguarding strategy for children and vulnerable adults.
Supporting the Director in the management and leadership of social services teams especially with regards to the implementation of the Child Protection and Fostering Procedures already developed.
Initiate routine multi-agency foster child reviews according to established fostering procedures, to be undertaken as part of a general foster carer review alongside the Social Services Team with inter-agency child protection care plans developed where necessary.
Maintain an oversight of all strategies, policies and plans as appropriate with regards to Children (including disabled children) and Vulnerable Adult/Elderly Care matters and ensure engagement of social services staff.
Identify needs and build technical competencies of social services staff, securing professional social work training and supervision with the support of the STTC post holder on a regular basis and according to the Departments Operational Plan. *2 & *3
Guide and support the community development officers by linking with other key agencies, in the development of multi-disciplinary social work in the community. This is particularly important in Safeguarding Protocol development and should be done in conjunction with the Child Safeguarding Specialist. It should also be done with reference to rehabilitation for disabled persons (adults and children).
Work with development agencies (e.g. Department for International Development, UNICEF) on child safeguarding initiatives together with the Child Safeguarding Specialist and pursue any opportunities for Montserrat’s participation.
4.1 The Senior Social Work will also have the following principal responsibilities:
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Chairing of the multi-agency child protection and family support meetings as part of the child protection procedures, including the confidential dissemination of the resulting care plans. To advise on the preparation of reports for court and supporting the CDO’s in this aspect of their work. To foster multi-agency collaboration in working with children with disabilities and their families, vulnerable adults and the elderly, and ensure that assessment reviews are undertaken in a timely way To support the social work team in engaging with parents / carers on child care issues in order to educate the community in appropriate ways of managing their children’s development and so prevent instances of child abuse. To assist the STTC post holder in the setting up of a multi-purpose Safeguarding Fostering and Adoptions Board and in the provision of data/information for the annual safeguarding report. Assist with others in the introduction of the new Child Care Act and any subsequent multi-agency training required in conjunction with the STTC Child Safeguarding Specialist. Liaison with Social Welfare regarding concerns over Children and Families at risk.
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QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Essential The person engaged will be expected to have worked as a Qualified Social Worker for at least ten years, the majority of which should have been in the Child Care Services, with practical experience in foster care and /or children with disabilities. The person will have an understanding and past working experience of community care principles and practice. The person should also have worked in a managerial capacity /senior supervisory role for at least five years, and should have had practical experience of chairing multi-agency meetings.
Education UK /International Qualified Social Worker with a degree or MA in Social Work or Social Studies combined with a Professional training in Social work. An essential component in their Social work education must be Psychology. Registration 5
Must have a current registration with the General Social Care Council (UK) or their international equivalent. Desirable A management qualification. A relevant Masters’ Degree. Personal requirements for the post: Must be able to work in a small isolated community, with an understanding of the impact current social work practice may have on a different culture A Flexible approach to work with a willingness to assist with the provision of services when there are staff and technical capacity shortfalls. Must be a good communicator.
6.0 DURATION The person engaged shall be in the position for a two year contractual period, with prospects for renewal.
7.0 REPORTING AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS.
Report to the Director of social Services. The post holder would be expected to work with the TA STTC post holder in their development of Safeguarding and Fostering /Adoption services in Montserrat. Prepare a work plan within one month of commencing the post, regularly updating this. Quarterly reports to be submitted to the PS health, the SSD director and relevant departments. These reports will be shared with the Governor and DfID. End of contract report with key milestones achieved, recommendations for future work and an agreed action plan prior to departure.
8.0 OTHER REQUIREMENTS An up to date Criminal Records Bureau certificate as part of our policy of safer recruitment.
9.0 CONFIDENTIALITY All information, data and documentation belonging to the government of Montserrat shall be treated by the Senior Community Development Officer (CDO) as confidential and shall not, at any time during or after the termination of his/her engagement, be
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disclosed by the Senior CDO, his servants, or agents or any third party without written consent of the Government.
10.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION In the event of a dispute between parties concerning any matter arising from or concerned with this agreement, the parties shall use reasonable efforts to settle the dispute through negotiations conducted in good faith between the respective senior officers of the party who have authority to settle the same.
11.0 AMENDMENTS Amendments to this agreement may be made only in consultation with the service provider and the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
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Annex I Department of Social Services Structure The department structure is headed by a Director of Social Services. A senior social worker has management responsibility for social work practice in child and adult care including child safeguarding. This person would also provide regular staff supervision / performance management. The post is currently vacant. Three Community Development Officers (CDO’s) undertake a generic social worker role with all client groups, although two officers tend to work mostly with the elderly /disabled people in the community or warden supported accommodation. One of these is recently qualified. A dedicated Child Care officer (qualified Social Worker) and a Probation Officer further make up the team. A separate Social Welfare Office (SWO) deals with the applications for financial benefits and is staffed by a senior and junior welfare officer. Community Care: Community Development Officers (CDO) each visit a geographical area of Montserrat on a weekly basis to receive referrals from concerned residents/other professionals regarding child safeguarding issues or other problems e.g. domestic violence, housing issues. They also work in conjunction with SWO colleagues, housing and other agencies to monitor elderly or disabled people living in the community. A meals on wheels service is provided on weekdays, with other organisations and church communities providing additional support at other times. Fostering and Adoption Work: Fostering and adoption in Montserrat has until recently, been managed ‘informally’ with the CDO’s relying on local knowledge of persons who would most suitably fit these roles. This service has therefore lacked the structure needed to ensure that children’s needs are managed according to established protective procedures. A draft Fostering policy has been prepared and procedural standards developed according to recognized best practice; assessments and reviewing tools are also in place and being utilised. One foster carer has recently been approved for placements. Adoptive procedures are also available. A training programme for foster and adoptive carers is urgently required. Residential Care: Children: There used to be a residential unit for children in need of urgent care, but this was lost when the volcano erupted. A rented house has been sourced to provide care for a teenager whose needs demand institutional rather than purely foster care. Internationally recognized residential standards have been adapted to suit the size and 8
functions of this small residential home that is the only safety net for children urgently in need of care. Adult / Elderly Care: Residential care is managed in the privately run Golden Years Home, and for nursing care Margetson Memorial Home that is attached to and run by the hospital. Fourty seven Warden supported apartments are administered by Social Services and provides for semi-independent living. There are two wardens. Disabilities: The provision of timely support of aids and adaptations to persons as part of a rehabilitation care plan for adults and elderly persons is limited. Providers of equipment are working individually and in an ‘ad hoc’ way. Children with disabilities are usually only seen by the Educational Psychologist and not referred for family support to Social Services. Multi-agency working is minimal. A disability policy and multi-agency procedures is not yet in place. Mental Health: A mental Health Unit provides support for all age groups with a Community Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who runs the service with the support of an off-island psychiatrist. He visits every two months. This service is supported where needed by CDO’s. The Community Mental Health Officer post has been vacant for some years and there are current plans for recruitment. 1.2 Strategic Work: The development of Safeguarding The Social Services Department is seen as the focal point for all child abuse referrals. Referral, assessment and reviewing tools have been prepared and a Child Protection procedural manual has been provided to all Community Development Officers. Initial teaching on these procedures and the related legal framework has also been undertaken, A multi-agency ‘Policy Guideline’ booklet has been developed for professionals and training made available for a number of key agencies. Child protection protocols are slowly being developed with key ministries. A safeguarding strategy for vulnerable adults and the elderly is required. Montserrat Strategic Development Plan 2008-2020 The overarching strategic goal that the Ministry of Health and Social Services strives to attain as reflected in the Montserrat Strategic Development Plan is “Enhanced human development and improved quality of life for all people on Montserrat.” The relevant mid-term objective that relates to the Social Services Department (SSD) is “To develop and implement policies and programmes to enhance the well-being of the vulnerable population.”
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ANNEX II Additional Information SCOT: The UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the support of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) set up the Safeguarding Children in the Overseas Territories (SCOT) programme (2009-2013). This attempted to build on an earlier British Government child protection awareness raising programme in providing an advisory and mentoring programme for the Overseas Territories. A child protection workshop in March 2012 set the first five safeguarding standards for Montserrat, and created the opportunity to develop a ‘Safeguarding Booklet Policy Guideline’ and multi-agency training for professionals in understanding and managing Child Abuse/Child Protection and how to respond to instances of Child Abuse. UNICEF also works on child protection initiatives in the Caribbean, and is exploring the potential for a project with Montserrat that will focus on child development. Source material:
*1 A Framework and Recommendations for Action on Children Affected by Migration in the Caribbean. 2010. UNICEF / Caricom / International Organisation for Migration (IOM). *2 Competency Guidelines for Newly Qualified Social Workers – UK National Occupational Standards for Social Work. *3 Achieving Best Evidence – Practitioners Guidance. Dept. of Justice UK. Montserrat Strategic development plan 2008-2020. OECS Model Family Legislation Booklet 2 Child Care and Adoption. Child Sexual Abuse in the Eastern Caribbean 2010. UNICEF/DfID. Keeping Children Safe. Jenny Myers. Save the Children UK 2006.
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