At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people by building positive networks and facilitating family group conferences.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant travel across Devon and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives by helping them connect with their families.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 32508 - 39732 £ per year.
- Family Group Conference Co-ordinator- Lifelong Links
- Full Time
Locality office based (Barnstaple and Tiverton) with scope for some home working.
The aim of the Lifelong Links Co-Ordinator is to ensure that our care experienced children and young people up to the age of 25, have a sustainable, positive support network to help them practically and emotionally during their time in our care, and later as young adults.
This approach places emphasis on creating relational stability, investing in relationships even when a young person cannot live within their immediate network right now.
It is a restorative approach which recognises that strengthening relationships can help recovery from trauma and harm, decrease social isolation and increase mental well-being.
You will join the Lifelong Links Team and will work directly with children and young people to identify who is important to them, and who they would like to be in touch with, using techniques such as mobility mapping.
You may then bring the network together at a Lifelong Links family group conference.
This conference will lead to a plan created for and with the young person, which will link to their care plan.
You will build strong relationships with Social Workers, Personal Advisors, Independent Review Officers, Foster carers and others involved in corporate parenting to ensure this service reaches the children and young people who need it most.
This role will require you to work with skill and creativity with young people in our care, to ensure that their views shape the work and are right for them.
In addition, you will have strong interpersonal skills to run effective Lifelong Links Family Group Conference sessions where you are able to reassure and engage participants as part of the process.
Key responsibilities for this role include
- Relational practice with children and young people
- Promotion of Lifelong Links through booking and delivering awareness raising sessions
- Working with Social Workers, Independent Reviewing Officers and Fostering colleagues to establish key professional relationships with these service areas and to identify and plan effective Lifelong Links interventions
- Arranging and facilitating Lifelong Links Family Group Conferences with children, their families and extended networks (e. g. foster carers, teachers)
- Completing direct work with children and young people to explore and identify their family networks, which links they would like to establish and the information they would like to obtain.
This will ensure they know more about their family history and will help to build their sense of identity
- Producing reports on the work of Lifelong Links and its impact for children and young people
- Presenting examples to share evidence of impact and good practice
Internal candidates must seek support from their line manager prior to application.
Please note this role will require significant travel across Devon and some travel out of county.
Please note, this role differs from the role of Family Group Conference Coordinator. Please see this link from the Family Rights Group, for more information. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please call Team Manager Jeanette Memmott on 07792283271.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe.
We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages .
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e. g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Family Group Conference Co-ordinator- Lifelong Links employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Group Conference Co-ordinator- Lifelong Links
✨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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 Devon County 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 Group Conference Co-ordinator- Lifelong Links
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 Devon County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Devon County 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 Devon County 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.
