At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children in care to achieve positive change through coaching and practical assistance.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering families in Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Receive training, develop skills, and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Other info: Driving required; dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey that reunites families and supports children's wellbeing.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; experience with children and families is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Family is at the heart of our work in Hertfordshire and that includes supporting our children and young people in our care to reunite with their families, where this would be safe and in their best interests. We have an exciting position for the role of Life Coach within our Building Bridges Team, part of the Children Looked After (CLA) Service. This team was newly created in October 2022 to extend our successful Family Safeguarding model into our Children Looked After Service.
This extension of the Family Safeguarding model to children in care sets out to empower families, and their extended networks, by having parental mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse specialists and Life Coaches in one team, working alongside social workers to support positive change that can lead to the reunification of children in care with their families.
You will work directly with parents of children in care to achieve agreed goals through coaching, parenting intervention and applying relationship‑based practice. Part of the role will require you to visit families at their homes on a weekly basis to develop and progress goals that improve outcomes for children and families. Offering practical support to apply for housing, budget, apply for benefits and develop routines and rhythms.
As part of your training in the role, you will be required to attend ARC and NVR training which you will apply when supporting parents to develop their parenting confidence.
- Full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle
- Experience of working with Children and Families
- Ability to undertake direct work with families whose children are currently looked after, tailoring interventions to suit their needs.
- Ability to facilitate sessions between children and their parents that increase connection opportunities and build upon their relationship.
- Ability to develop positive relationships with professionals and partner agencies to ensure that children and families receive the best possible service at the right time.
This role would be ideal for those already in an alternatively qualified role such as a Childrens Practitioner or Family Practitioner to expand their breadth of knowledge. This role would also suit those in a Children's Information and Advice Officer who want to progress further in this field. We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required: You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required.
Life Coach in Hemel Hempstead employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As a Life Coach within our Building Bridges Team in Hertfordshire, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated organisation that prioritises family reunification and the well-being of children in care. We offer a supportive work culture that values professional development through comprehensive training opportunities, including Motivational Interviewing and NVR training, ensuring you are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families. Join us in a role that not only fosters personal growth but also contributes to positive change in the community, all while working in a collaborative environment with like-minded professionals.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Life Coach in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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 Life Coach in Hemel Hempstead
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 Hertfordshire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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.
