Host Family Coordinator

Job Title: Host Family Coordinator

Department: Academy

Reporting: Academy Safeguarding Manager

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum
Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

The Role of the Host Family Coordinator

• To lead on the recruitment, assessment, and management of the host families.
• Being first point of contact for any issues that arise relating to Host Family arrangements, reporting into the Academy Safeguarding Manager and Academy Player Support Manager as appropriate.

Main Accountabilities

• As part of the Safeguarding Team and working in conjunction with the Player Support Team, ensuring that all welfare and safeguarding concerns are recorded and shared in line with the Club Safeguarding Policy and Handbook.
• To work with the People & Compliance team to facilitate Safer Recruitment checks of hosts.
• To contribute to matching decisions for Players with Host Families and the completion of agreed support plans between Player, Hosts, Parents/Guardians and the Club.
• To complete ongoing monitoring visits to Players and to Host Families to ensure Safeguarding and Health and Safety standards are maintained and appropriate to the Player’s needs across the placement and reviewing the support plans.
• To lead on the preparation of the reviews of placements and presentation of such to the Care and Accommodation Panel, at the end of the season or as appropriate across a Player’s stay.
• To promote the club’s safeguarding culture across the Host Family provision.
• To support and drive the Host Family training programme and to assist with the organising and facilitation of the Host Family Forum.
• To assist where required with the onboarding and welcoming of players joining the Club.
• To work closely with the academy recruitment team to ensure effective transition of players into the Club.
• To administer the Host Family lodging payments to ensure host families are paid correctly.
• To work with the Player Support Team and other departments to promote the learning of independent living skills, to aid player’s transitions to living independently.
• To cover and support the Safeguarding and Player Support Team in periods of illness and annual leave.
• To form part of the team that provides Out of Hours advice and support to Host Families and Players as required.
• Any other duties deemed necessary in discussion with your line manager.

General Club Accountabilities

• To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements

• To ensure compliance with all safeguarding and player welfare processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.

• To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times

Person Specification - Essential Characteristics

• Social Care, welfare, or other relevant qualifications or extensive experience.
• Extensive Safeguarding experience or qualification in this area
• Demonstratable knowledge of assessing carers of/for children and young people
• A knowledge of Child and Adolescent Development and children and young people’s needs and behaviour.
• A work ethic that aligns with the Club Values.
• An ability to work unsociable hours as required by the role.
• An ability to make and sustain relationships with children and young people, parents, and colleagues.
• Competent level of numeracy, literacy, and use of Microsoft Office.
• An understanding of the need for confidentiality, appropriate information sharing and other safe practices.

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

• Mental health First Aider or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Safer Recruitment processes
• An understanding or experience of the pressures of an Elite Sport Environment and the impact on children and young people.
• An awareness of the uniqueness of individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds and their needs.
• An ability to be organised and strategic when approaching projects.
• Strong presentation writing and delivery skills.

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 16th February 2024