At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve Hackney's short breaks programme for disabled children and young people.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hackney, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape services that empower disabled children and their families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care, contract management, and team leadership required.
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
Enhanced DBS Required
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 organized, 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.
Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Short Breaks Co-ordinator
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Connect2Hackney!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Connect2Hackney that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Short Breaks Co-ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Connect2Hackney. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Connect2Hackney.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Connect2Hackney!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Connect2Hackney resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Short Breaks Co-ordinator position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
