At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Family Group Conference services, ensuring quality support for families.
- Company: A leading UK charity dedicated to innovative family support services.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based work, competitive pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or programme management, with strong relational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you a parent, kinship carer relative or friend of a child who is involved with, or who needs the help of, children’s services in England? We can help you understand processes and options when social workers or courts are making decisions about your child’s welfare. Our advice service is free, independent and confidential.
To speak to an adviser, please call our free and confidential advice line 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm, excluding Bank Holidays). Or you can ask us a question via email using our advice enquiry form. Our online advice forums are an anonymous space where parents and kinship carers (also known as family and friends carers) can get legal and practical advice, build a support network and learn from other people’s experiences. Our get help and advice section has template letters, advice sheets and resources about legal and social care processes. On Monday and Thursday afternoons, you can use our webchat service to chat online to an adviser.
Do you have a progressive, forward-thinking perspective on social care services? Are you committed to ensuring the highest quality of work for children, young people, and families every time? We are looking for a new Programme Manager to join our team and oversee our Family Group Conference services throughout Wiltshire.
ABOUT US
We are a leading UK charity delivering Family Group Conferences (FGC). Building on over 25 years of experience, we are now exploring new and innovative ways of working alongside families and communities. We are doing this at a time when the Government has set out a clear vision for Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) to become a central offer to families experiencing challenges and engaging with Children’s and Families Services. This is a pivotal moment to join our organisation and help shape the future of this work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role could suit two types of candidates:
- A practitioner with experience of working with children and families who wants to use their practice experience in a programme management role, or;
- An experienced programme manager with strong public sector and/or charity sector experience, who is confident working with data and is relational and collaborative with colleagues and partners.
It would be an advantage, though not essential, to have experience of Family Group Decision Making, solution-focused practice, or the children’s social care sector. Whilst this role is a managerial role, and not day-to-day family-facing we do make space for our Programme Managers to hold a limited number of referrals each year to nurture skills and practice experience. Full practitioner training is provided for all Daybreak employees.
The role is home based with regular travel in Wiltshire, and to select team-days in Hampshire. A successful candidate would also need to actively work in person with commissioners, external partners, and communities in and around Wiltshire on a regular basis, depending on service needs. Willingness to travel to other areas, depending on service need and growth is needed.
What does a week look like for a Daybreak Programme Manager?
No two weeks are the same, but as a Programme Manager you can expect to balance a mix of operational oversight, supporting your freelancer team, and stakeholder engagement. Typical activities include:
- Ensuring a quality service for families, and delivering on contract aims.
- Reviewing and triaging referrals, including case discussions with referrers.
- Quality-assuring referrals and Family Plans, ensuring procedures are followed and records are kept up to date in our case management system.
- Monitoring case records to make sure Family Group Conferences are progressing appropriately, and accurate records are being kept.
- Collating and analysing performance data (KPIs), using Monday.com, MS Excel and other tools.
- Writing quarterly reports for commissioners, analysing service delivery, providing narratives and identifying areas for development.
- Working with your freelancer team of Coordinators.
- Allocating new referrals to our team of freelance Independent Coordinators.
- Engaging Coordinators in best practice discussions, providing guidance to overcoming barriers or issues.
- Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, reviewing incident reports and escalating when required.
- Hosting in-person and online Practice Development Groups to share key messages and facilitate best practice discussions.
- Recruiting, inducting, and supporting new Coordinators – from advertising and interviews to observing practice.
- Reviewing and signing off invoices from freelance Coordinators.
- Building relationships with referrers such as Social Workers, through consultations and attending team meetings.
- Promoting our services to commissioners and senior managers in children’s social care, ensuring referrals are high quality whilst also raising awareness of the value of FGCs and our service.
- Contributing to the wider Charity aims.
- Attending Programme Manager and staff team meetings.
- Contributing ideas and expertise to strengthen processes, improve service delivery, expand our offer to families, and support Daybreak’s wider charitable goals.
DETAILS
Location: The role is home based with regular travel. There is also occasionally travel to Hampshire or other areas in the South for meetings and other areas, based on operational need.
Working pattern: 22.2 hours per week; to discuss schedule with the successful candidate.
We are committed to safeguarding and all posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, two satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.
Programme Manager - Wiltshire employer: FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP
As a leading UK charity, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of children and families. Our Programme Manager role offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, with comprehensive training and the chance to engage directly with communities in Wiltshire. Join us in making a real difference while enjoying the flexibility of a home-based position and the camaraderie of a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Wiltshire
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Wiltshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP from the get-go!
