Job Overview 1

Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic team player, and looking to extend your skills as a children's practitioner? Are you seeking an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people? We are looking for motivated and committed people to work with children of all ages, and their families, as a Family Support Worker in Children's Social Care. This is an exciting and varied role, where no two work-days are ever the same!

Amongst the varied responsibilities undertaken by Family Support Workers, you would provide emotional and practical interventions that empower families to remain together, work as part of a professional network with Social Workers and other Departments to help keep children safe at home, and support children who may be cared for by others. The role involves direct work with children who have experienced difficult life experiences, supporting children who do not live with their families to have quality time together in a safe way, and encouraging families to find long term solutions to complex issues. 

Job Overview 2

The successful candidate will need - 

- to be able to build positive, helping relationships with children and their families

- to have an understanding of child development, child safeguarding and the impact of childhood trauma

- to have a strong desire to help children to better understand their circumstances, some of which can be emotionally difficult

- to be able to remain focused and calm in what can be an ever changing environment, whilst remaining family-centred and professional

- to understand the need for confidentiality and data security

- to have a good standard of literacy, as written recording of all interventions with families is a key requirement of the role

- to have the ability to work in a flexible way, which would include evenings and some weekends, to meet the needs of the families with whom we work. An additional shift allowance is payable.

- to have a qualification in a related field (Early Years childcare, education, mental health etc) would be an advantage

If you have the necessary skills and are passionate about improving outcomes for children and their families, then this role could be a great opportunity for you. We would love our team to reflect the diversity of the families with whom we work, and welcome applicants from all cultures, nationalities and identities.

Please note an enhanced DBS check and drivers licence is required for this role.

For informal queries regarding this role, please contact -

Annie Shine                             a.shine@health.gov.je

Jodie Le Boustouler                  j.leboustouler4@health.gov.je

Alex Farmer                             a.farmer@health.gov.je

Job Purpose

To provide intervention and support to children, young people and their families, empowering them to address various challenges, reducing problems and risks and, in some cases, helping to make sure that children can remain with their family. To work in partnership with parents to strengthen parental capacity and family relationships and to increase parental engagement with professionals and in their local community. To work with parents and their children in their homes and in the community offering practical help and emotional support, outside of core office hours, to increase the skills, confidence and abilities of all family members to live their daily lives in a positive and safe way.

Statutory Responsibilities

• The post holder will have to comply with all relevant States Laws, such as the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989 and any other associated legislation, Standing Orders, Financial Directions, and other relevant Codes of Practice, in respect of managing the key project deliverables of programmes and costs through the active management of procurement, approval, financial and administrative procedures.

• To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law, 1989

• To work in accordance with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law; This role is politically restricted. The job holder is not permitted to undertake political activity involving standing for election to the Government or as a Parish Constable, or publicly supporting someone who is standing for election or playing a public part in any political manner.

Job Specific Outcomes 1 of 2

1. To provide intervention that include the child and family approach to families with complex needs where intervention has been requested by the social work team/s.

2. To undertake assessment and specific interventions as directed by the assessing team/s.

3. To supervise contact between children and parents, ensure children safety during contact, transport children to and from contact and produce accurate records.

4. To attend court, conferences, review meetings with the support of the team manager. Engage in supervision and training sessions as requested and required by those requesting services.

5. To work flexibly as will be required by the needs of the service, responding to crisis and ensuring that the children and their families are supported and enabled to seek solution and manage stressful moments.

Job Specific Outcomes 2 of 2

6. Participate in the practical implementation of care plans by working alongside the children, young people and their families. This may be in the family home, the local office or in the community.

7. Use, update and maintain specialist skills, knowledge and experience to act as a resource for children and families, colleagues and partners as required

8. To adhere to and uphold the principals, core values and policies and procedures of the Children Social Care.

9. To engage in training and development as part of carer development Maintain up to date records that ensure the service provided is both transparent and accountable, in line with legal requirements and departmental procedures and processes

10.Use, update and maintain specialist skills, knowledge and experience to act as a resource for children and families, colleagues and partners as required

Qualifications

Essential - NVQ4 in working with children and young people, early years child care or equivalent is required. However, candidates without these qualifications must be prepared to undertake the requisite training, within the agreed timescales. Candidates will also be expected to complete the relevant training including safeguarding training and Jersey's Children First.

Desirable - 

Diploma or degree qualification  or certified training in a parenting support / working with parents programme (e.g. ‘Triple P’ / ‘Strengthening Families’ or similar)

Knowledge

Essential - 

Demonstrate an understanding of Child development Evidence

Experience of working with children or young people at different settings

Knowledge of the assessment framework and its bearing on the intervention work.

Knowledge and experience of direct work with families who have complex needs

Practical knowledge and experience of working with vulnerable families and being aware of any issues a practitioner may face while working with vulnerable families

Desirable - 

Experience of working with families with complex needs who typically find it difficult to engage with services.

Experience in supporting families to make positive choices

Experience of supporting parents in managing children’s challenging behaviour

Technical Work Based Skills

Essential - 

Good communication skills are essential Effective use of ICT. This would include working knowledge of Word, Outlook and databases.

A holder of a valid drivers licence.

Ability to learn and provide training to others.

Desirable - 

Bi-Lingual Speaker

General skills / attributes

Essential - 

Ability to write clear and accurate reports.

Able to use IT systems.

Ability to work hours in a flexible way, including evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the service.

Desirable - 

Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

Committed to improving outcomes for children and their families.

Committed to anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.

Experience

Essential -

Working with in social care setting or service.

Experience of setting appropriate professional boundaries with families.

Desirable - 

Experience in challenging and supporting families to make positive choices.

Experience of supporting parents/carers in managing children and young people’s challenging behaviour.

Experience of working with people in their home.

Specialist experience of working with children and families in one or more of the following:

- complex needs

- counselling

- crime prevention

- disability

- early years

- education

- financial support

- housing

- mental health

- parenting

- physical health -social work

- substance misuse

- youth work

Criteria relating to Safeguarding

A professional approach to the job and the ability to work with empathy, discretion and confidentiality is essential.

An understanding to the issues that can impact on families and parent’s ability to provide appropriate guidance and care to their children is essential.

An enhanced DBS check.