At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in accessing vital services and navigate local support systems.
- Company: Join Merton's Community Early Help Team making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and the chance to impact your community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to build partnerships and enhance community services.
- Why this job: Be a champion for families and help shape a brighter future for children.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Help support and a passion for improving family outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 38256 - 39276 £ per year.
We are excited to be recruiting an Early Help Support Coordinator on a 12 month fixed term contract to play a key role in ensuring children and families can access the right support at the right time.
Working as part of Merton's Community Early Help Team, you will provide advice, information, guidance and signposting to families, helping them navigate local services and access support that meets their needs. You will champion a whole family approach and contribute to the delivery of the Best Start in Life agenda by improving access to support and promoting early intervention across the borough.
You will work closely with a range of practitioners and partners across the children's workforce to promote effective early help practice, with a particular focus on Early Years providers, including Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) settings.
Through building strong relationships and increasing awareness of local services and Best Start Family Hubs, you will help strengthen pathways into support, enabling families to navigate and access services, while supporting practitioners to identify emerging needs and connect families with appropriate support at the earliest opportunity.
This will include supporting the completion of Early Help assessments and SMART family plans, promoting the role of the Lead Practitioner and coordinating and chairing Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.
The Early Help Support Coordinator role is varied and plays a vital part in embedding Community Early Help processes, improving service navigation and strengthening local partnerships, with the aim of reducing the need for involvement from targeted and specialist services.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families and have good knowledge and experience of Early Help support and services and the Best Start in Life agenda, we would love to hear from you.
Early Help Support Coordinator in Merton employer: Merton Council
As an Early Help Support Coordinator with Merton's Community Early Help Team, you will be part of a dedicated organisation that prioritises the well-being of children and families. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering opportunities to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on early intervention and access to local services, you will play a crucial role in shaping positive outcomes for families in Merton.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Help Support Coordinator in Merton
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Merton Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Help Support Coordinator in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Merton Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Merton Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Merton Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Early Help Support Coordinator role at Merton Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Merton Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
