Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker - £26,010 - Caring & Charity Business - Antrim Road, Belfast 37.5 hours per week (may include evening and weekend work). Travel expenses current rate of 40p per mile will be payable for mileage undertaken in connection with work Holidays: 5 working weeks, exclusive of bank and customary holidays, Statutory Sick Scheme, pension scheme. Fixed Term Post for 2 years, until July 2026, then subject to funding. This post requires that a check must be carried out under the requirements of ACCESS NI enhanced disclosure. This will involve a full criminal records check which will show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, cases pending or any other relevant information. Purpose & Objectives: To deliver training, workshops and information sessions to our carers in the community and establish a network of support, including support groups and family recreation for carers and their children. To act in a professional, proactive capacity that will contribute to the strategic aims of enhancing the wellbeing of carers and the children they care for. MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.) Provide a welcoming, safe, supportive and fun environment for carers and their children. 2.) Organise and deliver play based activities, including a StoryTime and LifeStory Programme and other age appropriate activities to children in our care, including one to one support. 3.) Identify and engage carers in the development of information sessions, Together Support and training. 4.) Organise and facilitate courses and training based on the needs of carers and the children they care for. 5.) Develop Support Plans for carers and their children and ensure quality standards are met in the delivery of information, training and support services. 6.) Work alongside other individuals and organisations to establish a referral process for our carers and their children in the community. 7.) Coordinate activities and other opportunities for carers and their children to meet other carers and children locally, through the development of support groups, information sessions and family recreation. 8.) Work alongside carers to develop promotional materials, methods of evaluation and programmes and activities for them and the children they look after. 9.) Provide advice and assistance to children and their carers, ensuring confidentiality at all times. 10. Assist with the recruitment, training and support of volunteers. 11. Develop relationships with other organisations who might be able to provide information and support to our carers and their children. 12. Assist with the promotion of our advice and support services, including the availability of practical support to carers and their children. 13. Ensure the general upkeep and health and safety of play areas, both indoor and outdoor. 14. Engage and support carers share their own experiences to help raise awareness of care and reach out to other families. 15. Give presentations to groups and speak at events as required. 16. Assist in the development of briefings, leaflets, workshops and awareness raising programmes and activities. 17. Undertake risk assessments for all activities to ensure all health and safety requirements are met. 18. Work alongside other staff members to agree a package of support for children and their carers, ensuring sensitivity to cultural needs and addressing issues such as barriers to accessing services/opportunities. 19. Coordinate and support volunteers and sessional staff to ensure correct worker/child ratio is adhered to. 20. Develop good relationships with other organisations that might be able to provide information and support to children and their carers. 21. Undertake administrative tasks and keep records of service activity as required. Additional: * Give presentations to groups and speak at events as required. * Assist in the development of briefings, leaflets, workshops and awareness raising programmes and activities. * Respond to written and phone enquiries from carers, and other individuals and organisations. * Monitor and report on outcomes, indicators and activity levels on a regular basis to the Service Manager and Chief Executive. * Establish and maintain a database for monitoring information in relation to children, their needs and the type and level of support provided. * Ensure confidentiality and professional boundaries are observed when working with children, carers, staff and external agencies and work within Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy. * Ensure any safeguarding issues that may arise are dealt with as a priority, in accordance with Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies. * Attend regular staff meetings. * Assist with local fundraising initiatives when required. * Contribute to the strategic direction of our company. * Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the achievement of the organisation’s goals and targets. Essential Criteria • A relevant (recognised qualification in childcare, health and social care, community development or related field) (Minimum NVQ level III or higher). • Five GCSEs (minimum) at Grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language and Maths. • At least 3 years’ paid experience (out of the last 5) working with and delivering programmes to vulnerable/disadvantaged children and families. • Experience working on cross organisational projects. • Knowledge and understanding of the support needs of children in care. • Excellent presentation skills. • Excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver information in an engaging manner to suit the needs of children. • Excellent written skills, including the ability to produce quality reports. • Excellent administration skills including ability to maintain and update records and files. • Competent in the use of IT software such as word processing, databases, publisher, spreadsheets, internet and e-mail. • Willing to deliver and participate in presentations, workshops and briefing sessions. • Effective organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload. • Able to build good working relationships. • Able to work both independently and as part of a team. • Proven ability to work with minimum supervision and use own initiative to complete duties and tasks and manage work within a team. • Ability to retain confidence and discretion. • A demonstrable commitment to equality of opportunity. • A current driving licence with access to a car. (Can be waived in the case of an applicant who prohibits driving, but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements)