Children’s Reporter, Central Belt

At SCRA, our Mission is to protect and uphold the rights of Scotland’s children and young people, making decisions in a compassionate, inclusive and trauma informed way. We are seeking candidates who share, and can demonstrate, our Values of being Supportive, Child Centred, Respectful and Accountable.

Working at the heart of Scotland’s unique care, protection and justice system for children, as a Children’s Reporter your primary purpose will be to decide whether a child should be referred to a children’s Hearing for consideration of compulsory measures of supervision and to conduct court proceedings to establish facts. You will manage the competing demands of a challenging case load. Utilising effective communication skills, you will investigate and respond to referrals from partner agencies such as social work and the police or from members of the public. Based on investigations tailored to the needs of a child, you will make informed decisions regarding the need to refer a child to a children’s Hearing. You will support fair process within children’s Hearings and prepare and conduct court proceedings. With comprehensive training and support you will present evidence in court to establish facts, or to promote a Hearing’s decision where that decision is supportable.

Qualified to degree level or equivalent in social work, law or another relevant discipline, you will bring at least two years’ experience in a similar fast-paced environment. You will bring experience of analysing and assimilating information to make evidence-based decisions, along with the ability to use digital technology to deliver a service. Personal resilience and an ability to work at pace are essential.

Due to the nature of these posts, there is a requirement to travel to, or be based in Localities across the central belt of Scotland* and may include travel to Grampian and Highlands, Moray & Eilean Siar.

Therefore, a driving licence and access to a car or access to suitable alternative transport to enable frequent travel to and, at times, between SCRA offices and hearing centres.

Please note, there may be a requirement to work from a number of different Localities during the period of the contract depending on organisational need. SCRA’s travel and expenses policy will apply in these circumstances.

*Central belt Localities for these posts include Lanarkshire Dumfries & Galloway, North Strathclyde, Tayside & Fife, South East and Glasgow.

Successful candidates will be expected to successfully undertake the PDA units in line with Locality Reporter Manager / accreditation manager’s instruction.

We are committed to your growth and wellbeing. You will receive comprehensive learning and development within a supportive working environment. If you share our Values this is an exciting opportunity to shape a positive future for children and young people in Scotland.

Applications for this post must be made through SCRA’s website where you will find details of all current vacancies.