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Form of workHow you'll make a difference
By using a strengths-based, whole-family approach, you will be supporting families with children aged 0-5 to make and maintain changes in their lives.
Here are some comments from parents who have been helped by Families Plus workers:
- ‘It was brilliant, she listened to me and supported me to understand what was going on and what we could work on and change.’
- ‘By attending the group I have learned to understand my child’s needs and have changed the way I react to his behaviour.’
- ‘We no longer have arguments or difficult conversations in front of the children as it was explained how the comments we made would cause more problems and anxiety with the children. We have all grown as a family.’
We are seeking applicants who are skilled at engaging families quickly, creating purposeful, professional relationships and agreeing realistic aims and objectives. Building on their existing strengths to get through difficult experiences, our support helps families to continue to use what they have learned once the Families Plus involvement ends.
What will you be doing?
- You will carry out whole family assessments of need, providing advice and guidance to families, in order to establish plans where appropriate.
- You will ensure that services are effective and supportive for families with children aged 0-5 years.
- You will review and monitor Early Help plans, responding to the changing of needs and renegotiating where appropriate in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
- You will manage your own caseload of specific work to ensure specialist inputs and effective outcomes are achieved. Records and reports will need to be completed in accordance with professional and council guidelines.
- You will liaise and work with contacts from different sectors; including early years settings, health, social care and the voluntary sector ensuring that communication is effective so knowledge and best practice can be shared.
What we need from you
- You should be qualified at NVQ 3 or equivalent in a relevant discipline or working towards an appropriate qualification related to the provision of services to children and families.
- You will have considerable relevant experience of the use of evidence-based practice working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families.
- You will have experience of writing holistic, multi-agency assessments and plans with families.
- You will have knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, processes and procedures.
- You must also have well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and engage successfully with colleagues, service users and partner organisations.
- You will be required to travel widely within the authority so you must either have a current driving licence and provide a car or have access to appropriate means of travel.
Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.
How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different
We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.
What is special here is the strength of the team ethos. We are a relatively small local authority, so managers know staff well. They can plan their services to ensure teams have manageable caseloads and have effective supervision so feel supported to make decisions which are right for the children and young people they work with.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.
- We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of
- We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life
- We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.
We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.
We’re making a difference, be part of it!
This role is an LTC – Limited Term Contract for 12 months covering maternity leave.
For more information, please contact Fiona Mapley-Sims via email [email protected].
