FGC Co-ordinator - Req24335

Temporary until 31/03/2025 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Family Group Conference Co-ordinators to join our current team on a temporary 12-month contract. 

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

Are you skilled in empowering families to make decisions about the welfare of children and young people?  If so, we have two opportunities available as part of our busy Family Group Conference Service.  We are seeking to recruit to this exciting role on a temporary basis. We facilitate Family Group Conferences in a range of situations, including where children are at risk of harm, becoming looked after or where domestic violence and abuse is present.  The premise of the approach is valuing both the right and the ability of families to come together to resolve their own issues and to seek out those around a child who may be most able to do this.  This network is then brought together in a Family Group Conference (FGC) to make decisions and plans with, and for, the young person, which should be integrated into the professional pathways and inform the services around a child or young person.

The post holder will join a large team of FGC coordinators and be responsible for managing a caseload and facilitating FGCs for children and families in Leeds.  This will involve direct work with children, young people, their family and support networks, referring professionals and the practical organisation of the FGCs themselves.  It is also essential to work collaboratively with other services to promote high quality outcomes for families.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing families, children and young people for their FGC to ensure their fullest participation 
• Flexibly working to coordinate and facilitate FGC’s at a time convenient to the family
• Contribute to the promotion and development of the FGC service and the use of restorative approaches

Key skills include:

• A commitment to and experience of working in partnership with vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Skills in engaging families, approachable with strong communication and organisational skills.
• CQSW/ DIPSW/ NVQ 3 and/or equivalent qualification in relevant service area (e.g. social care, education, youth service) and 3 years relevant work experience 
• FGC trained (3 day Coordinator Training) would be desirable but is not essential

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

If you are interested or want more information please contact Emma Naylor, Service Delivery Manager on 0113 3782633 or Bernie Jackson, Team Manager on 0113 5350781

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose:  Family Group Conference (FGC) Coordinators will be responsible for providing high quality Family Group Conferences in Leeds.

Responsibilities:

To plan, organise, coordinate and facilitate initial Family Group Conferences and reviews in a way that responds appropriately to the needs of individual families from diverse backgrounds.

To exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and expertise in order to co-ordinate meetings which bring together families and professionals to make and agree safe plans for children and young people within their network.

To ensure that all family members are able to participate fully in the Family Group Conference process, in particular to facilitate the involvement of children and young people in FGCs using a wide range communication techniques. 

To ensure that vulnerable adults are supported through the FGC process.

To ensure that, in conjunction with the team manager, that safeguarding procedures are adhered to by:

• Recognising and taking action in relation to the safety of children where concerns and risks are identified.
•  Supporting families to draw up plans and implement arrangements which will ensure a child is safely cared for within their family network.

To provide advice and consultancy to professional staff and other agencies about FGC’s and advise on potential referrals.

To provide training for referrers, other professionals and community groups about the FGC model.

To provide training for professionals who will be presenting information to an FGC.

To collect data for the FGC evaluation process, ensuring feedback from the FGC is gathered from children, young people, family members and professionals.

To ensure that administrative tasks of Family Group Conferences, including the initial FGC and follow up review are completed. 

To contribute to the development and promotion of Leeds Family Group Conference Service and related work to support vulnerable children and families.

To take part in regular supervision, practice development groups and training sessions to ensure good quality practice, up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development. 

To undertake other duties as required by the FGC service manager in relation to the implementation of FGC’s.

To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.

To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Prior to the Interview we will request your References. Failure to obtain both references will result in your interview being withdrawn. 

Qualifications 

The post requires that the post holder has the CQSW/DipSW/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant service area. If a qualified Social Worker, you should be registered with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) upon commencement of the post and maintain yearly registration. 

Special Conditions This post is subject to a higher level check with the Criminal Records Bureau. In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975 ) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offences.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills Required

Ability to work independently, use initiative and be self motivated.

Ability to chair and facilitate meetings involving families, children and young people

Ability to work in an organised way and to timescales

Ability to establish a good working relationship with referrer and communicate with all family members, including children and young people, enabling them to take an active part in the process.

Ability to manage conflict and encourage adults to make plans in the best interests of children.

Ability to negotiate and mediate in a wide range of situations

Ability to inform family and appropriate agency staff of any new risks to children.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work creatively and flexibly, solution focussed and reflective

Active listening skills.

Ability to take a neutral role.

Ability to develop positive relationships with staff from all agencies.

Good level of computer literacy

Flexibility to work outside normal working hours to fit in with the needs of families. 

Knowledge required

Knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of Family Group Conferencing 

Knowledge of child protection practice and child care legislation.

Knowledge and understanding of the role of other agencies / professionals who work with children and families.

Knowledge of the impact of poverty, oppression and discrimination on families.

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in relevant field such as Social Work, teaching, mediation, youth work 

Experience required 

Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and their families from a wide range of backgrounds, including families in crisis. 

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement.

Ability to understand and apply the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.

Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.

Willingness to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day.

Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of families

Apply for this job