At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate Family Network Meetings and Group Conferences to support families in Torbay.
- Company: Join Torbay Council's dedicated Children's Services team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and the chance to impact family dynamics positively.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team focused on family-led decision making and improving children's outcomes.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and maths; experience with children and families is essential.
- Other info: Interviews start 8th September 2025; apply early as adverts may close sooner.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
Department: Childrens Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £31,537 – £34,434 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
We are looking for creative and flexible facilitators with great listening skills to deliver Family Network Meetings and Family Group Conferences (FGC) in Torbay. We are looking for workers who are able to work flexibly. Actual hours can be negotiated at interview.
In light of the Government reforms to Social Care, this is a great opportunity to be involved with the development of the Family Group Decision Making Team within the Family Help Service.
You will be part of a dedicated and passionate team and will exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and expertise in order to deliver meetings which bring together families, community members and service providers to prevent children entering into care, proceedings and reducing the level of Social Work intervention with families.
Your main responsibilities will be identifying and preparing attendees, planning and arranging the practicalities and convening family meetings. The Family Group Decision Making approach recognises the knowledge and expertise within families and are strengths based and solution focused. As such, you will have a strong belief in family led decision making and the value of relationships in order to support children, young people, their extended family networks, and professionals to fully participate in the FGDM process.
You will need to be committed to improving outcomes for children and promote the child\’s wishes and feelings. You will develop good joint working partnerships, with Families, Children and Young People and their significant others, contributing to the development and implementation of the family plan. This may include you being willing to travel for visits or hold conferences in the evening or at weekends.
This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/family-group-conference-coordinator-2/
For an informal chat please contact Nichola Whelan on 07824537242 or nichola.whelan@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 8th September 2025.
Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there\’s a published deadline – so if you\’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
- Ability to mediate, negotiate, cope with the unexpected and manage conflict to enable children, young people and other family members to make a plan.
- Ability to remain independent, neutral and objective, resisting attempts by professionals or family members to make you take sides.
- Ability to be diplomatic and respectful, but not shirk from raising and discussing difficult issues in an open and frank manner when needed.
- Be well organised, reliable and able to work to deadlines.
- Confidence in convening and chairing large meetings.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
- An understanding of the Family Group Decision Making approach, including an understanding of the ethos, principles and practice standards that underpin the model.
- An understanding of legislation and guidance relating to children and young people.
- An understanding of safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people.
- An understanding of child development and the needs of children.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- GCSE’s in English and maths.
- Experience of working with children and families in a solution focussed way.
- Experience of managing/chairing meetings, dealing with conflict, mediating, and negotiating to achieve positive outcomes for children.
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Family Group Conference Coordinator - 37 hours employer: Torbay Council
Contact Detail:
Torbay Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Group Conference Coordinator - 37 hours
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Family Group Decision Making approach. Understanding its principles and practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to family-led decision making.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in children's services or social care. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising how you would handle conflict or difficult discussions during family meetings. Being able to articulate your approach to mediation and negotiation will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by discussing any relevant experiences where you successfully managed meetings or events. Highlighting your ability to coordinate logistics will be crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Group Conference Coordinator - 37 hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Family Group Conference Coordinator position.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your experience in working with children and families, as well as any mediation or conflict resolution skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for family-led decision making and your commitment to improving outcomes for children. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Understand the Family Group Decision Making Approach
Familiarise yourself with the principles and practices of the Family Group Decision Making model. Be prepared to discuss how you can apply this approach in your role, highlighting your understanding of its importance in supporting families.
✨Demonstrate Your Conflict Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully mediated or resolved conflicts. This role requires a strong ability to manage difficult situations, so showcasing your skills in this area will be crucial.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Abilities
Since the role involves planning and arranging family meetings, be ready to discuss how you stay organised and meet deadlines. Share specific strategies or tools you use to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities.
✨Express Your Commitment to Child Welfare
Articulate your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Be prepared to discuss how you would promote their wishes and feelings during the Family Group Conferences, demonstrating your dedication to their well-being.