Return Home Interviewer

Salary: £23,484 – £25,927

Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours)

Contract Length: Permanent

Location: Horsham (Hybrid)Interview Date: 15th, 16th September

Closing Date: 08/09/22

As a member of the Missing Children Team you will arrange and deliver high quality Return Home Interviews to a range of children and adolescents who have been reported as missing, aiming to understand why they went missing to reduce the risk of them going missing again.

In the Missing Children Team, you will be grounded in evidence based practice, yet able to use your initiative, keeping up to date with current research and practice, attending training and conferences about ‘missing and runaway children’, in order to take responsibility for the development of your practice.

Key Skills

Experience and Skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with a range of clients with a significant degree of sensitivity and empathy
Ability to work in a multi-agency environment, responding sensitively and flexibly to a diverse range of service users
Able to manage self; be self-aware and understanding of the impact of work on self and others, able to respond constructively to situations, balancing competing demands and recognising when to refer upwards and seek help appropriately
Ability to reflect on own practice and to learn from experience. To take responsibility for own performance and to be proactive in relation to own work and professional development
Sound and accurate IT skills including report writing, maintaining accurate records – confidentiality and protecting information

Qualifications/Experience
GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent qualification or experience operating at this level of literacy and numeracy
QCF Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent comparable experience
Valid and full driving licence
Experience of engaging children or adolescents who have experienced difficulties, listening and communicating with a significant degree of sensitivity and empathy
Experience of providing advice and guidance to adolescents and families
Experience of keeping accurate records, maintaining professional confidentiality and use of supervision

Rewards And Benefits

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CAFHE03946

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact For issues or queries regarding your application please contact

To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people.

For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.