At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with children under 5, providing practical and parenting assistance.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority dedicated to community improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant qualification (NVQ 3 or equivalent) and a full driving licence.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term role with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend on Sea Council is seeking to appoint a caring, experienced, and committed Family Centre Support Worker to join our dedicated Family Centre team on a full time and fixed term contract basis (initially 6 months with potential to extend).
As a Family Centre Support Worker, you will work as part of the Family Centres team, and in partnership with key stakeholders, including children and families, to develop and provide high quality services for children 0 to 5 years and families and to improve outcomes for all children. You will work alongside families in their homes, the Family Centres and the wider community offering practical and parenting support, enabling families to help improve child/children’s outcomes. You will complete an initial assessment of families’ needs, to identify and plan the support required for children under 5, you will work in partnership with the family and other professionals where required to provide appropriate support and interventions.
You will maintain high quality and accurate up-to-date administration and caseload records, including reports of all interactions. and prepare reports as per service requirement. You will assist families to access, build and maintain effective relationships with the Family Centres and other services. You will attend regularly and positively participate in all Family Centre meetings. You will model and demonstrate positive practice in parenting, suggesting, advising, guiding, and developing strategies to support service users in aspects of child development.
Although this contract is offered on a hybrid basis, the successful candidate will be predominantly out and about visiting family centres, working from office and occasionally working from home.
What you\’ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you need up to date knowledge and experience of safeguarding, policy and procedures. Including SET procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Previous experience of working with children and their families, including experience of running groups and evaluating their effectiveness is highly essential for this role. It is vital that you can work collaboratively with families who may be at risk, to identify their support needs, plan, implement and monitor emotional and practical support.
You must be able to communicate clearly and professionally through a variety of mediums with parents/carers, children, staff and professionals and excellent verbal, listening and presentation skills, including IT skills.
Your application will not be considered if you do not have a qualification in childcare/child development, health and social care, counselling, Early years, or a related professional qualification equivalent to at least NVQ 3.
A full and clean driving licence is essential for this role and your application will not be progressed without it.
What you\’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the \”Why Work For Us?\” tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click \’apply online\’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
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R2R103520 - 106406 - Family Centre Support Worker employer: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Contact Detail:
Southend-on-Sea City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103520 - 106406 - Family Centre Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific safeguarding policies and procedures mentioned in the job description, such as SET procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to child safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in family support roles or local government. Attend community events or workshops related to child development and family services to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children and families in detail. Think of specific examples where you successfully ran groups or provided support, as these will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Since a full driving licence is essential, ensure that you have all necessary documentation ready and consider mentioning your driving experience during any discussions. This can highlight your readiness for the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103520 - 106406 - Family Centre Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in childcare, family support, and safeguarding. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with children and families, as well as your understanding of the policies and procedures mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses why you are passionate about working as a Family Centre Support Worker. Mention your qualifications, relevant experiences, and how they align with the role's requirements. Be sure to express your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that showcase your ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, and professionals. This could include experiences where you facilitated discussions or led groups.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southend-on-Sea City Council
✨Know Your Safeguarding Policies
Familiarise yourself with the latest safeguarding policies and procedures, especially the SET procedures and 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in real-life scenarios during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience working with children and families. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've run groups, evaluated their effectiveness, and supported families in need. This will show your practical knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would communicate with parents, children, and professionals, and provide examples of successful interactions you've had in the past.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving families at risk. Think through potential challenges and your strategies for identifying support needs, planning interventions, and monitoring progress. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.