At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate Family Group Conferences and empower families to create their own plans.
- Company: South Tyneside Council, dedicated to building resilient communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming children's services and fostering positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives through inclusive decision-making and restorative practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in group facilitation and a passion for anti-discriminatory practice.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Children and Families Services, South Tyneside
£33,699 pa Fixed Term Contracts for 24 months due to Funding
About Us: At South Tyneside Council, we are committed to working with children, young people, and families to build safe, resilient communities. We are investing significantly in our service and are seeking to expand our Family Group Conference (FGC) Team with an additional 3 passionate and skilled Family Group Conference Coordinators to help embed relational and restorative practice across our work. Our service is focused on empowering families to lead their own change through inclusive, family-led decision‑making. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is transforming how we work with families—placing relationships, trust, and collaboration at the heart of everything we do.
The Role: You will be joining an ambitious and forward‑thinking Children’s Service with a strong commitment to relational and restorative practice. As an FGC Coordinator, you will facilitate Family Group Conferences that enable families to create their own plans in response to concerns raised by professionals. You will work independently while being part of a multi‑agency team, building positive relationships with children, families, and professionals across social care, education, health, and the voluntary sector. You will champion the voice of the child, promote inclusive participation, and foster safe, non‑judgemental spaces for dialogue and planning.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinating and facilitating Family Group Conferences, including preparation, logistics, and follow‑up.
- Promoting restorative principles such as empathy, respect, and curiosity in all aspects of your work.
- Supporting the implementation and review of family plans through multi‑agency collaboration.
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to service development through reflective practice and feedback.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate family‑led planning through restorative and relational approaches.
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to the FGC process.
- Build trust and inclusive participation with families and professionals.
- Promote safeguarding and ensure plans meet statutory thresholds.
- Champion restorative practice across Children’s Services.
- Contribute to service improvement and quality assurance.
Join Us: If you are confident in group facilitation, committed to anti‑discriminatory practice, and passionate about working with families to create meaningful change, we would love to hear from you. We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here – www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere
Please contact Mark Benson, Participation and Engagement Lead, at mark.benson@southtyneside.gov.uk or call 07484 543937.
Legal and Background Checks: South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre‑employment checks. We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
Closing Date: Noon, Friday 17 July 2026
Family Group Conference Coordinator x 3 Posts employer: South Tyneside Council
South Tyneside Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on relational and restorative practices, the council offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development while empowering staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Located in South Tyneside, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises trust, respect, and community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Group Conference Coordinator x 3 Posts
✨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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 Family Group Conference Coordinator x 3 Posts
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 South Tyneside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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.
