At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage families and young people to shape services and improve support systems.
- Company: Positive Steps, a transformative organisation in Greater Manchester since 1977.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a voice for families and help create lasting change in children's social care.
- Qualifications: Passion for user engagement and experience in working with families or young people.
The predicted salary is between 29625 - 29625 £ per year.
Salary: Qualified PS04 (£29,625.99 per annum)
Reporting: Operational Manager – Early Intervention and Prevention
Positive Steps is a unique organisation and has been changing the lives of people in Greater Manchester since 1977. Our current offer involves supporting those in Education, Criminal justice, Family and Community and Safeguarding settings. We are at an exciting point in our development with a focus on growing our impact while reaching excellence in all our work.
The Families First Partnership Programme (FFP) is a once in a generation chance to reshape Children’s Social Care alongside the local authority, education, police, health, voluntary, faith, community groups and most importantly our residents, to change and improve our offer of help and protection. Through this work, we will create a system that delivers better experiences, stronger relationships, and lasting change—where families feel supported, professionals feel empowered, and children thrive.
Families First Partnership encourages services to work together and take a more joined‑up, family‑focused approach to early help and child protection. The programme focuses on:
- Giving the right Family Help at the right time
- Creating Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs)
- Using Family Group Decision Making to involve families in their own support
It is informed by a range of legislation and reviews including the Working Together to Safeguard Children framework and the findings from the MacAlister report, and its aim is to make sure children and families get the right support they need, when they need it.
The role of Family Voice Coordinator will deliver on key areas of the Families First Partnership Programme, actively involving children, young people, parents, carers, families and practitioners, in designing and improving services. You will make sure that their experiences shape the system and the services within it.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about involving and engaging service users and partners, who likes working independently and who can think creatively about how we meet the goals of the Families First Programme. You will need to be confident in working with families, in talking to individuals and groups, and gaining their feedback and ideas to shape service development and delivery. You will be confident in collating, analysing, and presenting information in written reports and in person to a range of audiences.
You may have a background in working with young people, families or adults but must be committed to the principles of User Voice and be able to involve, inspire and engage others. You may have valuable experience of support from services for you and your family and be able to bring first‑hand experience to the role.
This is an exciting opportunity for a member of Positive Steps team to step into a new role leading on the engagement of families across Oldham. Positive Steps is an equal opportunities organisation and applications are welcome from all sections of the community.
Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and we do not intend to offer sponsorship for this particular role. You should therefore ensure that you have/will have the right to work in the UK to be able to undertake this role. If appointed, you will be required to provide relevant right to work documents at the point of an offer being made to you. This role is subject to a Standard DBS check.
Family Voice Coordinator in Manchester employer: Positive Steps
Positive Steps in Greater Manchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong focus on community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and collaboration. The hybrid role allows for flexibility and meaningful interactions with families, making it a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Voice Coordinator 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 Positive Steps.
✨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 Positive Steps!
✨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 Positive Steps, 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 Positive Steps 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 Voice Coordinator 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 Positive Steps:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Positive Steps! 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 Positive Steps
✨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.
