At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and families through coaching and relationship-based practice.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council's Family Safeguarding Service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, specialist training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, for impactful support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and understanding of case management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £34,434 progressing to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37.0 per week
Location: Countywide
Contract Type: Permanent
About The Team
Family is at the heart of our work in Hertfordshire. Our goal is to support children and young people in care to reunite with their families where it’s safe and in their best interests. The Family Safeguarding Children in Care (FSCIC) Phase 2 Team, part of the Family Safeguarding Service, was launched in 2022 to extend our successful model into the Children Looked After Service. Our multidisciplinary team uses Motivational Interviewing to help parents make positive changes, bringing together specialists in mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, neurodiversity, trauma, social workers, adolescent practitioners, and life coaches. We provide intensive, trauma‑informed support for young people aged 10–18 who are at risk of entering care, returning home after family breakdown, or facing exploitation and complex mental health challenges.
About The Role
We have several exciting opportunities to join our newly formed hub, bringing together the Reunification Team and Edge of Care Team. In this role, you’ll work directly with parents of children in care or at risk of entering care, helping them achieve positive change through coaching, parenting interventions, and relationship‑based practice. You’ll receive specialist training in Non‑Violent Resistance and be part of a service that values professional growth and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Work directly with children and young people (10+) and their families to achieve agreed goals through coaching, parenting interventions, and relationship‑based practice.
- Conduct weekly home visits to support progress and improve outcomes.
- Develop expertise in Non‑Violent Resistance to address challenging behaviours linked to trauma, such as aggression, self‑harm, and substance misuse.
- Deliver interventions through individual and group sessions, promoting positive relationships and de‑escalation strategies.
- Provide practical support, including housing applications, benefit claims, and establishing routines.
- Facilitate sessions that strengthen parent‑child connections and offer constructive feedback.
- Make referrals to specialist colleagues and partner agencies as needed.
- Maintain accurate case records and attend relevant meetings.
- Build strong professional relationships to ensure timely, effective support for families.
- Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of children and families.
Working Hours
Some evening and weekend work is required within extended service hours (weekdays 9 am–10 pm, weekends 2 pm–10 pm). This typically involves working approximately one evening a week and one weekend day a month.
About You
There are no formal qualifications required for the role; you will receive Motivational Interviewing, Non‑Violent Resistance, and ARC training.
Essential
- Experience and understanding of case management, including assessment, action planning, and reviews.
- Experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating support activities for and with young people and their carers.
- Knowledge of the issues affecting young people at risk of child exploitation.
- Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity issues.
- Knowledge of child development and adolescents, social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Ability to engage effectively with vulnerable and challenging young people in a variety of settings and to achieve positive outcomes with them.
- Diving license and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies relating to this service user group.
- Relevant professional qualification in youth/community work, social care, health, or education.
- Previous experience of working with children and families.
Benefits
We offer a supportive, multi‑disciplinary environment that encourages professional growth, provides specialist training, and focuses on making a real difference for children, young people, and families.
Contact
For an informal discussion about the role, please email Jenna.Keen@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Interview Date: 13th and 14th January
Disability Confidence Statement
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving
You must 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 those whose language needs a sign language interpreter, an interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be provided.
Application Instructions
Upload your most recent CV, ensuring it is up to date with your employment history and any training or qualifications. Include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert so the panel can fully recognise your skills and abilities. A short covering paragraph may also be included to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Life Coaches employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Life Coaches. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from specialist training in areas such as Non-Violent Resistance, while working within a multidisciplinary team that prioritises the well-being of children and families. The council's commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community, combined with flexible working hours and a strong emphasis on employee growth, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in social care.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Life Coaches
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the role before your interview. Research Hertfordshire County Council and their Family Safeguarding Service. This will help us understand their values and how we can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coaching techniques! Think about how you would apply Motivational Interviewing in real scenarios. We want to show that we can engage effectively with young people and families, so be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide insights into the culture and expectations of the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get tips on what to highlight during our interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your flexibility! The role requires evening and weekend work, so let’s emphasise our willingness to adapt and meet the needs of families. It shows commitment and readiness to jump in!
We think you need these skills to ace Life Coaches
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is up to date and tailored to the Life Coaches position. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially those related to coaching and working with young people.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, include specific examples of how you've demonstrated the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team and support families effectively.
Craft a Catchy Covering Paragraph:Don’t forget to add a short covering paragraph! Use it to summarise your skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful to grab our attention.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Life Coach and the specific challenges faced by children and families in care. Familiarise yourself with concepts like Motivational Interviewing and Non-Violent Resistance, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences working with young people and families. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with challenging individuals or facilitated positive change. This will demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work in this field and how you can contribute to the team. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits well with their values and mission.
