At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve Hackney's short breaks programme for disabled children and young people.
- Company: London Borough of Hackney, dedicated to enhancing community services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, impactful work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and engage with local communities for meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of services for disabled children while managing a significant budget.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care, contract management, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 30.07 - 30.07 £ per hour.
Pay: £30.07 Per Hour PAYE / £40.53 Per Hour Umbrella.
Location: Hackney, London
Directorate: Children & Education (Disabled Children's Service)
Contract Type: Temporary
Start Date: ASAP
Responsible For: 2x Short Breaks Service Support Officers, 1x Short Breaks Finance Officer
About the Role
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for improving outcomes for disabled children and young people? The London Borough of Hackney is seeking a dedicated Short Breaks Coordinator to step into a vital maternity cover role. In this position, you will oversee the strategic and operational development of Hackney's short breaks program, managing an allocated £900k budget. You will ensure services are equitable, affordable, and highly accessible, while leading on crucial contract management, parent/carer participation, and upcoming service tenders.
Key Responsibilities
- Service Leadership: Oversee the allocation of the £900k short breaks funding and drive improvements to make universal/mainstream settings more accessible.
- Contract & Financial Management: Lead contract monitoring activity to ensure compliance and high standards. Partner closely with finance teams to track expenditures, prevent over/underspends, and assist with the Disabled Children's Service Homecare tender.
- Team Management: Line manage and support a dedicated front-line team, including two Service Support Officers and a Finance Officer.
- Community Engagement: Coordinate the parent/carer participation strand, working closely with local parent forums, third-sector organizations, and health partners (NHS City & Hackney) to keep the 'Local Offer' robust and updated.
- Continuous Improvement: Integrate the direct views of disabled children and their families into strategic planning, shaping the future short breaks offer based on usage data and feedback.
What We Are Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- Significant experience working within or alongside services for disabled children, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges their families face (Desirable).
- Proven track record in contract management, commissioning social care/children's services, and managing substantial budgets.
- Experience line-managing front-line staff and driving high-performance teams.
- Strong background in inter-agency collaboration (Education/Social Care/Healthcare) and service user involvement.
- Deep knowledge of the policy agenda for disabled children and statutory sector challenges.
Skills & Abilities
- Strategic Focus with Sharp Detail: Ability to keep your eye on high-level project goals while meticulously managing finance and performance data.
- Exceptional Communication: Confidence to engage sensitively and clearly with everyone from children and parents to senior management and elected Members.
- Data Literacy: Ability to interpret complex financial/performance data and translate it into high-quality reports.
- Resilience: Highly organised, proactive, and capable of working methodically under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Additional Requirements
- Very high standards of literacy and numeracy, alongside excellent IT skills (MS Office).
- A commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and challenging discrimination within an inner-city environment.
- Flexibility to attend occasional evening or out-of-hours events (with prior notice).
- A satisfactory Enhanced DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check, medical clearance, and references.
Short Breaks Co-ordinator in London employer: Connect2Hackney
Connect2Hackney is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, allowing Senior Cloud Engineers to thrive in a dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to innovative projects that enhance the community. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Hackney, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working in a diverse area that values transparency and high-quality service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Short Breaks Co-ordinator in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Connect2Hackney, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Short Breaks Co-ordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Connect2Hackney. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Connect2Hackney. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Connect2Hackney.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Short Breaks Co-ordinator role at Connect2Hackney, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Connect2Hackney that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
