Service issuesCore knowledge and skills, principles and values, and understanding of policies and legislation are required by all workers in social services. In addition specific knowledge and skills are needed to work in different parts of the sector with different service users and in different types of setting. The level and depth of knowledge required will depend on the individual's role within the organisation. Staff induction should include an introduction to these service specific areas. Each staff member should be aware of:
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Workers in Social Services in Scotland need to have the right knowledge and skills in order to carry out their jobs effectively and with confidence. The level of knowledge and skills workers need depends on their level and role within the organisation they work.
Some of the knowledge and skills workers need are shared across the whole of the workforce. All workers in Social Services need to have knowledge and skills in the areas of
- effective communication
- health, safety and security in the work setting
- reflective practice and learning and,
- the safeguarding of individuals
Workers also need specialist knowledge and skills which relate directly to the job they do. The knowledge and skills required by different parts of the workforce are detailed in the SSSC resource, NOS Navigator. Knowledge and skills for workers in different parts of the workforce and at different levels have been identified in the NOS Navigator. Workers should take time to familiarise themselves with the NOS relevant to their area of work. The links below take you directly to this resource:
- Click here if you are a worker in children and young people’s service:
- Click here if you are a worker in adult services.
The knowledge and skills required by Social Workers are detailed in the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE). These can be found here.
The delivery of social services in Scotland is underpinned by legislation and policy. At induction, all employees in social services should be made aware of main objectives of
- The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act (2001)
- The Care Inspectorate and
- The Scottish Social Services Council.
In addition workers should also be made aware of any legislation and policy which is central to the work that they do. Each organisation should identify which legislation and policy it is necessary for an employee to be made aware of. Below you will find a series of links containing information on legislation and relevant to working in social services in Scotland.
- The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) has produced a helpful list of Legislation and policy related to Social Services in Scotland. To find out more go to the following link: http://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/legisation-relevant-social-services-scotland.
- Workers in children and young people’s services should be aware of the Scottish Government publication: A common core of Skills, Knowledge and Understanding and Values for the Children’s Workforce in Scotland (2012). This can be downloaded here.
- Up to date information on legislation and policy which relates to working with children and young people in Scotland, such as Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill (2013), can be found here on the Scottish Government website.
- The United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the rights of every person under the age of 18 and how these rights should be met. Workers in services with children and young people should see the UNCRC as key to guiding how they treat the children and young people they work with. UNICEF has created an easy to read leaflet detailing the 52 Articles contained within the UNCRC. To download this leaflet click here.
- All workers must be aware of their duties under the Equality Act (2010). This Act replaces all previous pieces of legislation which related to anti-discriminatory practice in the UK. To view the Act click here.
The aims and objectives of the organisation should be made available to employees during their induction. In addition, all employees should be given copies of the National Care Standards relevant to their organisation. You can find out more about the National Care Standards here. Employees should familiarise themselves with these throughout their induction.
All employees should be given a copy of the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers. They should familiarise themselves with these and be encouraged to reflect on the codes at induction and throughout their employment. These can be downloaded by clicking here.
Employees should also be given copies of and familiarise themselves with any charters or guides produced by their organisation.
Shadowing the work of more experienced colleagues can help new employees to understand their role and responsibilities within the organisation and how they relate to the work of others. This supports communication and effective team working between colleagues. The roles and responsibilities of all employees in the organisation should be clearly understood to ensure the best possible care is provided for the individuals using the service.
