At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with disabled children to improve their outcomes and resilience.
- Company: Croydon Council, committed to community and family support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to empowering families in Croydon.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families and children with disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, teaching, or related fields is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40182 - 42060 £ per year.
Job Purpose
The postholder will deliver an intensive, targeted and high-quality whole family service for Croydon families who are identified as having disabled children and disabled young people who are at risk of poor outcomes or within statutory service. Through the process of completing a comprehensive assessment of need, the worker will help families to make their own decisions about changes they need to make. Work with families will be through SMART planning and support, enabled by the use of the Strengthening Families approach. By working in a family centred and holistic way staff will ensure improved outcomes and life chances for children and young people with disabilities and their families.
The team will support babies, children, young people with disabilities and their families that live or access services within the Borough of Croydon or children that are placed outside the Borough. It will be necessary, on occasion, to work with families in other parts of the borough to ensure timely access to services.
To contribute to the delivery of a service for families who are identified as having children and young people with disabilities who are at risk of poor outcomes or require high need intervention. Work in an integrated and partnership focused way with families and other agencies through the delivery of a defined practice model in order that families increase their capacity to function in the community without the need for intensive support. Support to families with multiple and complex needs where intensive support is required. Engage and sustain families in the programme to ensure improvements in their resilience and autonomy, improving outcomes and preventing escalation of their issues.
To take the Lead Professional role and maintain a caseload of families, ensuring timely and effective intervention to maintain progress. To work as part of a team consisting of practitioners with multi-agency experience in order to support identified children, young people and families to access learning and services within their local community.
About You
Significant experience or qualification in a relevant field which may include Social work, Teaching, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Youth Work, Counselling, Probation, Health professions, Education, Early Years. Knowledge and understanding of recent research and evidence-based practice in relation to working with families. Knowledge of evidence-based approaches to direct and intensive work with families with babies, children and young people with multiple and complex needs (desirable physical or learning disabilities). Knowledge of research and evidence base of factors that affect babies, children, young people and their families who are experiencing difficulties.
Be able to work independently and directly with families in a range of environments, including their homes, including outside 'core' working hours. Deliver support strategies that will enable the family to take responsibility for their progress and build their resilience and autonomy. An ability to undertake practical tasks with families, such as cooking, setting family routines, setting boundaries and modelling positive parenting strategies.
About Us
Croydon Council’s priorities include:
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities
Key Business Plan Outcomes
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Family Support Worker - Children with Disabilities in London employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and community service are at the forefront. As a Resource Officer at the South London Coroner’s Court, you will not only play a vital role in assisting bereaved families but also benefit from flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive team. The council values its employees, providing a meaningful career path in public service that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - Children with Disabilities in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Croydon Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Croydon Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Croydon Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Croydon Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - Children with Disabilities in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Croydon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
