At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in overcoming challenges to wellbeing and enhance children's school engagement.
- Company: Join a pioneering service with a focus on holistic family support.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, community impact, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families and children in your community.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a passion for supporting families.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Family Links is a pioneering service led by a partnership of third sector organisations – the Care and Learning Alliance, Homestart East Highland and Thriving Families – and supported by the Highland Whole Family Wellbeing Programme. Working alongside schools and other statutory and third sector providers, the Family Links team delivers holistic support to families in targeted communities across Highland. The current role is in the Inverness High School Associated Schools Group area and the worker will be employed by Thriving Families.
Role Purpose
Family Links workers are a bridge between home, school and community, supporting families to overcome challenges to wellbeing and enabling children and young people to flourish in school and beyond. It is recognised that there is a range of potentially beneficial outcomes for children and young people from building closer partnerships between schools, communities and families and supporting all family members to address both practical and emotional issues.
Responsibilities
Family Links Workers work alongside families in the Inverness High School catchment area which have been identified by the schools (both primary and secondary) as being most in need. Priority families identified for Family Links are those experiencing school attendance and engagement issues. Families experiencing school attendance and engagement issues can also self‑refer to Family Links.
Support provided to families is agreed alongside families, is delivered flexibly and is responsive to the needs of families and individual family members. It will be available to families for as long as they need it. Early / preventative support in the form of peer support groups (facilitated by the Family Links team) is also available for families with children or young people with identified neurodevelopmental needs and kinship families in the area.
Family Links Worker – Inverness High Associated Schools Group1 employer: Thriving Families
Thriving Families is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of both its employees and the families they serve in the Inverness High School Associated Schools Group area. With a strong commitment to holistic support, our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that values community engagement and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Links Worker – Inverness High Associated Schools Group1
✨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 Thriving Families.
✨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 Thriving Families!
✨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 Thriving Families, 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 Thriving Families 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 Links Worker – Inverness High Associated Schools Group1
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 Thriving Families:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Thriving Families! 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 Thriving Families
✨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.
