At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate Family Group Conferences to empower families and create safe plans for children.
- Company: Join a supportive local authority team rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Full-time role with essential car user allowance and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including occasional evenings, and a dynamic team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and strengthen family connections.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Caring for Children and experience with families required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Contract Type: Full time/Permanent
Additional Payments: Essential car user allowance
Closing Date: 06 April 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
This role is subject to:
- Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
- References: Where possible we require 3 years' history.
- Diploma Level III: Caring for Children and Young People (equivalent or above).
- Medical Clearance: Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA).
- Essential Car Documentation: This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance: This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About the Role
We’re looking for a committed and confident Family Group Conference (FGC) Facilitator to join our service. This is a chance to make a real difference for children, young people and families across Manchester, empowering them to create safe and sustainable plans that keep children connected to those who know them best.
What You’ll Do:
- Bring families, young people and their networks together to create clear, safe family plans.
- Ensure children’s wishes and feelings are central to every decision.
- Build trusting relationships and sensitively navigate complex family situations.
- Prepare, arrange and facilitate Family Group Conferences, reviewing plans and supporting families throughout the process.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, partner agencies and community services.
- Promote the FGC service and contribute to innovative approaches that improve outcomes.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Someone who communicates clearly, listens deeply and builds rapport quickly.
- Is emotionally resilient and confident when working in challenging circumstances.
- Organises workload effectively and takes ownership.
- Lives the Our Manchester behaviours working together, valuing differences and striving for better outcomes.
Skills & Experience:
- Level 3 Diploma in Caring for Children and Young People (or equivalent/above).
- Experience working directly with children, young people or families.
- Understanding of FGC/Family Group Decision Making (or willingness to train).
- Strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to undertake physical intervention training and an enhanced DBS check.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive and values-driven team in a local authority rated Outstanding by Ofsted, a place where innovation, strengths-based practice and genuine partnership with families are at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about empowering families and helping children stay safe, connected and supported, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape brighter futures for Manchester’s children.
About the Candidate:
FGC’s recognise the knowledge and expertise within families and are strengths based and solution focused. As such, you will have a strong belief in family led decision making and the value of familial relationships in order to support children, young people, their extended family networks, and professionals to fully participate in the FGC process. You will need to be committed to improving outcomes for children and promote the child’s wishes and feelings. You will develop good joint working partnerships, with Families, Children and Young People and their significant others, contributing to the development and implementation of the family plan. You will be organised and skilful at solving problems as they present and able to confidently prepare and facilitate a Family Group Conference. The role holder will be a team player who can demonstrate a flexible and dynamic approach to their role. This may include you being willing to travel for visits or hold conferences in the evening or at weekends.
For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Joanne Cochrane, on 07432639385 or email joanne.cochranemanchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.
Proud Member of the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
Family Group Conference Facilitator in Manchester employer: Old Moat
Join our outstanding local authority team in Manchester, where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. We offer a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, alongside professional growth opportunities and a commitment to family-led decision making. With essential car user allowances and a focus on employee well-being, this role is perfect for those passionate about empowering communities and shaping brighter futures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Group Conference Facilitator in Manchester
✨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 Old Moat.
✨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 Old Moat!
✨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 Old Moat, 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 Old Moat 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 Group Conference Facilitator in Manchester
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 Old Moat:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Old Moat! 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 Old Moat
✨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.
