At a Glance
- Tasks: Help families find vital information and support services in a dynamic community role.
- Company: Join Ealing Council's dedicated Family Information Service team.
- Benefits: Full-time fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with diverse communities and collaborate with local services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in providing information and support.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Ealing Council have an exciting new opportunity as a Family Information Officer available on a full time, 18 month fixed term contract. Are you passionate about helping families find the right information, services and support? Ealing's Family Information Service is looking for someone who can combine excellent customer service with community engagement and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
The Ealing Family Information Service (FIS) is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Family Information Service Officer to join our busy and supportive team. FIS provides high-quality, impartial information, advice and guidance to children, young people, parents, carers and professionals across Ealing. The service supports families to find and access a wide range of services, including childcare, activities for children and young people, family support, Early Help and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This is a varied role where no two enquiries are necessarily the same. You will support families through telephone, email and face-to-face contact, helping them identify what they need and navigate the services and support available to them. The role profile specifically requires high-quality information and advice for children and young people up to 19, and up to 25 for those with a disability or additional need.
Alongside responding directly to families and professionals, you will undertake research and help ensure the information provided by FIS remains accurate, accessible, timely and relevant. You will contribute to updating and developing information in a range of formats and help maintain positive links with services and agencies across the borough.
The role is not just office-based. You will also undertake outreach in community settings, building relationships with colleagues, partners and local services and helping communities access information about childcare, children's services and wider sources of support. The role profile places community and partnership working at the heart of the position.
About you
- Excellent communication and customer service skills and can engage sensitively with a diverse range of families and professionals.
- Experience providing information, advice and guidance face-to-face, by telephone, email and within community settings.
- Ability to listen carefully, identify people's needs and provide clear, impartial and helpful information.
- Strong written communication and IT skills and can confidently research, record and maintain information.
- Organised, able to use initiative and can prioritise a busy and varied workload.
- Understanding of the different circumstances and challenges that can affect children and families and can respond sensitively and supportively.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners across services.
- Understanding of Early Help, multi-agency support and the needs of children and young people with SEND, including the Local Offer.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to improving access to information and support for Ealing's diverse communities.
Why join us?
You will be joining a dedicated and supportive team with a strong focus on improving outcomes for Ealing's children and families. This is an opportunity to work at the point where information, Early Help and community connection come together, helping residents understand what support is available and making it easier for them to access the right help at the right time.
The role also provides opportunities to work across services and with community partners, contribute to outreach activity and help us continually improve the quality and accessibility of the information we provide.
Ealing council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safer recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This post is subject to Ealing's enhanced vetting process.
You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage. It is an exciting time to join us, here at Ealing Council. If you would like to make a positive difference to our residents and borough, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its connected communities’ agenda. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive. Please note all applications will be determined on merit.
Family Information Service Officer in City of London employer: Ealing Council
Ealing Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community service. As a Dust Cart Driver, you will enjoy stable hours with the potential for full-time employment, alongside opportunities for professional growth within local government services. Working in Ealing not only provides a chance to contribute positively to the community but also ensures a rewarding career path in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Information Service Officer in City of 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 Ealing 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 Ealing 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 Ealing 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 Ealing 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 Information Service Officer in City of 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 Ealing Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ealing 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 Ealing 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.
