At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families by connecting them to the right services and making them feel welcome.
- Company: Join Darlington Borough Council and help shape the future of Family Hubs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive culture focused on your growth.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while building valuable community connections.
- Qualifications: No specific background needed; just bring your listening skills and warm personality.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 28598 € per year.
We’re at an exciting point in Darlington as we start to bring our Family Hubs to life, and we’re looking for two Family Hub Navigators to join us and be part of this from the beginning. The full‑time post is 37 hours and pays £27,254–£28,598; the part‑time post is 22.2 hours per week and pays £16,355–£17,157. These are fixed‑term posts in place for 3 years. Family Hubs aim to make it easier for families to get the right help, at the right time. By bringing together early help, Best Start for Life and family support, the Navigator role sits right at the heart of this joined‑up working.
For many families, you’ll be the first person they meet when they come into the Hub; how you greet, listen and respond really matters. This role is about making people feel welcome, helping them feel understood, and supporting them to take that first step.
Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities
In a typical day, you’ll talk to families about what’s going on for them, help them make sense of their options, and link them into the right support, whether that’s something happening in the Hub, another service in the council, or a partner organisation. You won’t be holding cases, but you will spend time alongside families when they need a bit of extra help to get started – making a referral with them, following things up, or even walking them into a group for the first time. A big part of the role is building relationships. Some families will come in and know exactly what they need; others won’t. Your job is to help make things clearer, reduce anxiety about asking for help, and ensure they don’t feel passed around or left to navigate services on their own.
You’ll work alongside a range of partners including health, education and voluntary sector organisations, so being able to communicate well and build positive working relationships will really help. Opportunities to get out into the community and reach families who might not usually access services also exist, helping the Hub feel open and accessible to everyone.
We’re looking for people who are approachable, warm and confident in working with others. You don’t need a specific professional background; you do need to be someone who can listen well, put people at ease, and respond in a thoughtful and practical way. Experience in customer‑facing roles, community work or supporting families would be helpful, but your attitude and ability to work with people are just as important.
What we offer
- A pivotal role in an Outstanding local authority.
- A supportive culture grounded in relational practice.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Clear commitment to learning, development and progression.
- 32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional Annual Leave.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with the option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions.
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes.
- Staff equality forums.
- Green Car Leasing Scheme.
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development.
- Physiotherapy service.
- Confidential counselling service.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts.
- Local and National retailer discounts.
- Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings.
- Arriva Employee Travel Club.
Family Hub Navigator employer: Darlington Borough Council
Darlington Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a pivotal role in the development of Family Hubs that support families in need. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a supportive culture, and numerous benefits including flexible working, generous leave, and access to training, we ensure our staff feel valued and empowered. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Hub Navigator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Family Hub and its mission! Familiarise yourself with what they do and how they support families. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since the role is all about building relationships, think of examples from your past where you've helped others or made them feel welcome. Share these stories to demonstrate your approachability and warmth.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Family Hub or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the role and the culture, plus it shows your commitment to understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with the process, which is a great trait for a Family Hub Navigator.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Hub Navigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the Family Hub Navigator role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a Family Hub Navigator. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about helping families. Share your motivation for wanting to join our team and how you can contribute to making the Family Hubs a welcoming space for everyone.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Family Hub Navigator role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they align with the goals of the Family Hubs. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to making families feel welcome and supported.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with families or individuals in the past. Highlight your ability to listen, empathise, and respond thoughtfully to their needs. This will demonstrate that you have the right attitude for the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with families. Think about scenarios where you might need to help someone who feels overwhelmed or unsure about accessing services. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training and support available for new Navigators or how the Family Hubs measure success in helping families. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
