At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families of children with vision impairment through advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Guide Dogs, a compassionate organisation dedicated to empowering families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible work options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families during critical times.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and experience working with families required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You’ll spend 3.5 days each week on-site across Royal London Hospital and St Mary’s in Central London, based in the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department; with the flexibility to work from home for the remainder of the week. The working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
Central to this role is working closely with Ophthalmologists and clinical staff as part of a team offering high-quality advice and guidance to families during a critical stage of their diagnostic journey, requiring empathy, strong situational awareness, and demonstrable experience. This role will require you to adhere to values, policies and procedures of both Barts Health NHS Trust and Guide Dogs.
As a Family Outreach Officer at Guide Dogs, you’ll be responsible for providing information, advice and guidance service to parents, carers and families of Children and Young People with a vision impairment and to refer families appropriately, empowering them to access support and services that will assist them to realise their required outcomes. This is done through a combined service offer of virtual and in-person conversations.
Key Responsibilities- Provide high-quality information, advice and guidance to families of children and young people, via phone, digital platforms and in person within the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department.
- Manage a caseload, supporting families at key stages including around initial diagnosis, and signposting to relevant services where appropriate; to include, Health, Education, Welfare and Social Care.
- Deliver person-centred support, gathering information to develop outcome-focused action plans.
- Build and maintain strong knowledge of SEND legislation, processes and available services to effectively support families.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure co-ordinated care and support, facilitating smooth communication across services.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with service standards and reporting requirements.
- Support outreach activity, including attending community or clinical settings and contributing to events or workshops where required.
- Complete necessary paperwork for registration and refer families to relevant Guide Dog Services, as well as statutory and voluntary agencies for further support.
- Assist families with external funding applications.
- Raise awareness of Guide Dogs Services and activities, ensuring families know about the full range of support available.
About you: You’re a compassionate, empathetic and highly motivated professional, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. You are inspired by Guide Dogs’ mission to support people with sight loss to live the life they choose, and passionate about empowering families of children and young people with vision impairment to feel confident, informed and supported throughout their journey.
Skills and Competencies:- Ability to build professional, person-centred relationships with families across face-to-face, phone and digital channels.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage a range of audiences.
- Effective organisational, time management and planning skills, including managing a varied workload.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, using initiative when required.
- Experience of working empathetically and sensitively with families and young people.
- Competent in using IT systems, including Microsoft Office and databases, with an understanding of data protection (GDPR).
26 days annual leave. After three years of continuous employment, this increases to 28 days plus bank holidays. Real Living Wage Employer. Flex pot - equal to a proportion of your annual salary to use on our wide variety of flexible benefits. The option to buy and sell annual leave. Discounts and cash-back scheme. Excellent pension scheme (We will match your pension contributions plus 2% up to a maximum of 9% employer contribution). And lots more!
Family Outreach Officer - Clinic Based in London employer: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Guide Dogs is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for Family Outreach Officers in the heart of Central London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 26 days of annual leave, a flexible benefits pot, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering professional growth through collaborative teamwork and meaningful engagement with families navigating vision impairment challenges.
Contact Details:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Outreach Officer - Clinic Based in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, especially those working in paediatric ophthalmology or family outreach. Attend relevant events or workshops to make connections and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with families, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the mission! When you get the chance to speak with interviewers, share why you’re inspired by Guide Dogs’ work. Your genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Outreach Officer - Clinic Based in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with families and children, especially in relation to vision impairment. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Family Outreach Officer!
Show Your Empathy:In your written application, share examples that demonstrate your compassion and understanding when working with families. We’re looking for someone who can connect on a personal level, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, as we appreciate direct communication. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Family Outreach Officer. Familiarise yourself with SEND legislation and the services available for families with children who have vision impairments. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked empathetically with families in the past. Highlight your ability to build person-centred relationships, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific anecdotes that demonstrate your compassion and situational awareness.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be engaging with families through various channels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would communicate complex information in an accessible way, whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone, or via digital platforms.
✨Be Organised
Demonstrate your organisational skills by discussing how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. You might want to mention any tools or methods you use to keep track of your caseload and ensure timely follow-ups with families. This will reassure them of your ability to handle the demands of the role.
