Job Overview

At the Children and Families Hub, we have two exciting opportunities to join our service in the role of a Family Mentor, both positions are full-time one is on a fixed-term basis for six months and the other position is permanent. 

The Government of Jersey wants to help all children, young people and families to have the best life possible, as outlined in our Children, Young People and Families' Plan for 2024-2027. 

In supporting this plan, the Children and Families Hub offer spans across three teams, each with a focus on supporting families to develop their capacity, resilience and independence by building on their strengths and enabling them to find their own solutions.  

In the role of Family Mentor you will work with children, young people and their families in home and community settings using the Jersey's Children First  practice model 

You will provide practical and emotional support to children and families, supporting them to make changes in their lives, become resilient and achieve positive outcomes, under the direction of the lead worker or line manager.  

You will encourage and support the inclusion of all children, young people and families to engage with community activities to build resilience, develop self-reliance and maximise opportunities. 

We welcome all applications with experience of working with children, young people and families from a wide range of backgrounds to enable the service to effectively meet the needs of all in our community, it is desirable for applicants to speak another language, particularly Portuguese. 

If you would like to find out more about these exciting new opportunities please contact Kirsteen Flint, Team Manager at k.flint@gov.je

Job Purpose

To provide practical and emotional support to children and families, supporting them to make changes in their lives, become resilient and achieve positive outcomes, under the direction of the lead worker or line manager.

Statutory Responsibilities

Active engagement, participation and compliance with any other statutory responsibilities applicable to the role, as amended from time to time.

Job Specific Outcomes

1. Work directly with children and young people in their schools, homes or community venues, providing practical and emotional support promoting their wellbeing and providing encouragement and support so that they achieve positive outcomes, under the direction of the lead worker.

2. Work directly with parents/carers in their homes or community venues to help them develop resilience and self-reliance, encouraging a consistent and positive approach to parenting and promoting positive routines and boundaries, under the direction of the lead worker or as part of an outreach programme.

3. Advocate for children, young people and their families as appropriate with other professionals and in the community

4. Support the lead worker to produce a co-ordinated and integrated family focused assessment in line with the Jersey’s Children First Framework.

5. Support the lead worker to co-produce and deliver an Early Help Wellbeing Plan.

6. Participate in team around the child, multi-agency clinics or other relevant meetings, contributing to the discussion and sharing relevant information

7. Contribute to the planning, promotion and delivery of parenting or other group programmes under the direction of the line manager

8. Encourage and support the inclusion of all children, young people and families to engage with community activities to build resilience, develop self-reliance and maximise opportunities

9. Maintain up to date records that ensure the service provided is both transparent and accountable in line with departmental standards.

10. Have and keep updated a clear understanding of safeguarding and respond to immediate concerns in line with Jersey policies and procedures

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

A good general standard of education that includes 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English.

DESIRABLE

A recognised qualification at level 3 (or equivalent), for working with children and families in a relevant field, such as physical or mental health, social care, youth work, education, criminal justice or early years.

Knowledge

ESSENTIAL

Knowledge of local support services available for families.

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of child development Knowledge of evidence based parenting strategies.

Technical Work Based Skills

Able to keep excellent records of work Effective use of ICT for record keeping and ability to use Word and Outlook.

General skills / attributes

ESSENTIAL

• The confidence and ability to work with families in their own homes.
• A positive approach to help families build on their strengths and find practical solutions to the challenges they face.
• Able to work as part of a team Able to work flexibly. This could include some evening and weekend working (as required)
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of different individuals.
• The ability to plan and prioritise workload.
• The ability to travel island-wide.

DESIRABLE

• The ability to engage and motivate resistant or ‘hard to reach’ families. This includes the ability to create and maintain positive relationships and professional boundaries.

Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Practical direct experience of working with families.
• Direct experience of working in a multi-agency setting, for example with school staff, health practitioners.

DESIRABLE

• Experience of supporting parents/carers in managing children and young people’s challenging behaviour.
• Experience of providing support to families in the community and in their own homes.
• Experience in engaging parents/carers in community activities.
• Experience of working with the Jersey Children First Framework.

Personal Attributes

• Understanding of local child protection policies and procedures and the importance of safeguarding children and young people or willingness to undertake training to acquire this knowledge.
• An enhanced DBS check.