Short Breaks Assessment Officer

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Short Breaks Assessment & Support Officer

Job Purpose

To assess the needs of disabled children and young people and facilitate access to Short Breaks Services through a person-centred approach. The role involves determining eligibility, assessing support needs, identifying appropriate levels of intervention, and enabling families to access services and personal budgets that improve outcomes and quality of life.

The post holder will work collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals, and partner agencies to ensure support packages are tailored, effective, and aligned with identified SEND and social care outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Eligibility

• Process applications for Short Breaks Services received directly from families, professionals, and through de-escalation from the Children's Disability Service.
  
• Screen applications against eligibility criteria and relevant legislative frameworks.
  
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of need using information provided by families, professional reports, schools, and partner agencies.
  
• Complete home visits and other relevant visits to gain a holistic understanding of the child or young person's circumstances.
  
• Ensure the voice, wishes, and feelings of the child or young person are captured through observations and appropriate communication methods.
  

Care Planning and Service Provision

• Identify the level of support required and determine indicative budgets through the Resource Allocation System (RAS).
  
• Develop person-centred support plans that reflect assessed needs, strengths, goals, and desired outcomes.
  
• Complete all required documentation and referrals to appropriate services.
  
• Present funding and support recommendations to the Short Breaks Panel for approval.
  

Reviews and Monitoring

• Conduct annual reviews of existing support packages to ensure services remain appropriate and continue to meet identified needs.
  
• Process re-applications and reassessments as required.
  
• Monitor support arrangements and make recommendations for amendments where necessary.
  

Personal Budgets and Community Support

• Support families in the effective use of Personal Budgets to meet social care and health-related needs.
  
• Assist families in sourcing both paid and unpaid support from community resources, social networks, and local organisations.
  
• Promote independence, inclusion, and participation within the community.
  

Partnership Working

• Liaise effectively with families, schools, health professionals, social workers, and other stakeholders.
  
• Respond to enquiries regarding Short Breaks Services in a timely and professional manner.
  
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in accordance with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
  

Compliance and Safeguarding

• Ensure all assessments, plans, and reviews are completed in line with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people at all times.
  
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection requirements.
  

Experience Required

Essential

• Experience working with disabled children, young people, and their families.
  
• Experience conducting assessments and developing support plans.
  
• Knowledge of SEND, children's social care, and short breaks provision.
  
• Experience working in a multi-agency environment.
  
• Strong report writing, assessment, and record-keeping skills.
  
• Experience managing a varied caseload and meeting deadlines.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience using Resource Allocation Systems (RAS).
  
• Experience supporting families with Personal Budgets.
  
• Experience presenting cases at funding or resource panels.
  
• Local authority experience within Children's Services.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional qualification in Social Work, Early Help, Youth Work, Health & Social Care, Education, Family Support, or a related field.
  
• Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to working with children and families.
  

Desirable

• Registered Social Worker qualification (where applicable).
  
• Additional training in SEND, safeguarding, child development, or disability services.
  
• Relevant management or specialist practitioner training.
  

Skills and Competencies

• Child-centred and family-focused approach.
  
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.
  
• Ability to build effective working relationships with families and professionals.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
  
• Ability to work flexibly within a hybrid working environment.
  

Additional Information

• Immediate start preferred.
  
• Hybrid working model with a combination of office, home-based, and community visits.
  
• Regular supervision and professional support provided.
  
• Enhanced DBS check required.
  
• 37 hours per week.
  
• Pay Rate: £21.94 per hour.
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly payment schedule.
  
• Closing Date: Recruitment closing soon; early applications are strongly encouraged.