At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with disabled children, improving their outcomes through targeted interventions.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, dedicated to enhancing lives and supporting families in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, education, or related fields is essential; practical family support skills are a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and values diversity in its workforce.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 34300 £ per year.
Family Link Keyworker – Children with Disabilities – Croydon Council
Permanent – 36 hours per week
The Opportunity
The postholder will deliver an intensive, targeted, and high-quality whole family service for Croydon families with disabled children and young people at risk of poor outcomes or within statutory service. Through comprehensive assessments of need, the worker will help families make informed decisions about necessary changes. Work will be guided by SMART planning and supported by the Strengthening Families approach. By working family-centred and holistically, staff will aim to improve outcomes and life chances for children, young people, and their families. The team supports families within Croydon and those with children placed outside the borough, working occasionally with families in other parts of Croydon to ensure timely access to services.
The role involves contributing to a service for families with children and young people who are at risk of poor outcomes or require high-need intervention, working in an integrated, partnership-focused manner to increase family resilience and independence, reducing the need for intensive support. Responsibilities include engaging and maintaining families in the program, taking the Lead Professional role, and managing a caseload to ensure effective intervention and progress. The role also involves collaborating with multi-agency practitioners to support families in accessing community learning and services, including early learning and education, using the Strengthening Families framework.
About You
You should have significant experience or qualifications in relevant fields such as Social Work, Teaching, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Youth Work, Counselling, Probation, Health Professions, Education, or Early Years. You should possess knowledge of recent research and evidence-based practices related to family work and be familiar with approaches for working with families with children and young people with complex needs, including disabilities. You should be capable of working independently with families in various environments, including their homes and outside core hours. Practical skills in supporting families through activities like cooking, establishing routines, setting boundaries, and modelling positive parenting are essential.
Benefits
- Highly competitive compensation package
- Accredited Systemic Practice training
- A range of CPD opportunities
- 29-31 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and the option to purchase additional leave
- A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
- Opportunities for professional growth and specialisation
- Wellbeing investments
- Access to Employee Discount schemes
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to promote work-life balance
Disclaimer
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from all community sections. We guarantee interviews for disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
Family Link Keyworker - Grade 8 (£38,934 - £40,755) employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Link Keyworker - Grade 8 (£38,934 - £40,755)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Strengthening Families framework, as this is a key approach used in the role. Understanding its principles will help you demonstrate your alignment with the organisation's values during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in social work and family support sectors. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who may have insights into the role and can provide valuable advice or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that showcase your ability to work with families facing complex needs. Highlighting your practical skills in supporting families will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Croydon Council’s initiatives and community services for families with disabled children. Being knowledgeable about their current projects will show your genuine interest in the role and the community you’ll be serving.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Link Keyworker - Grade 8 (£38,934 - £40,755)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Family Link Keyworker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of Croydon Council.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your qualifications and experience in fields such as Social Work, Teaching, or Psychology. Provide specific examples of how you've worked with families, particularly those with children with disabilities or complex needs.
Showcase Your Skills: Detail practical skills that are relevant to the role, such as supporting families through daily activities, establishing routines, and modelling positive parenting. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to engage and maintain families in a programme.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for working with families and your understanding of the Strengthening Families approach. Make sure to express your commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Link Keyworker. Familiarise yourself with the Strengthening Families approach and how it applies to working with families with disabled children. This will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in fields like Social Work, Teaching, or Counselling. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully supported families or worked with children with complex needs. This will demonstrate your capability and suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Family-Centred Approach
Be ready to explain how you would engage families and maintain their involvement in the programme. Discuss your strategies for building trust and rapport, as well as how you would support families in making informed decisions about necessary changes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think about past experiences where you had to manage a caseload or collaborate with multi-agency practitioners, and be prepared to share these stories.