Senior Family Support Worker

Starting salary is £27,500 FTE and we are looking for someone to work between 18 and 37 hours.

Home-Start is committed to promoting the welfare of families with young children to enable them to have the best start in life. We are recruiting a Senior Family Support Worker to offer support to families with complex needs which may include poor mental health or English as a Second Language.  The role will be based in Guildford, but working in family homes across the borough.  The successful candidate will be someone experienced in: working with parents; the needs and development of young children and developing projects.

Purpose of the job:

• To provide support to families experiencing multiple or complex issues, which may include poor mental health and English as a second language through regular home visiting
• To facilitate a Family Group, in accordance with the Family Group procedures and Family Group guidelines
• Manage Family Group volunteers through supervision and managing roles and rotas
• To implement good Safeguarding and confidentiality practice in all areas of work
• To ensure inclusion and diversity in all aspects of Home-Start Guildford’s work

Main responsibilities:

• To support families through visiting by: assessing needs, planning support and monitoring progress (through review meetings) whilst maintaining high standards of practice within the Home-Start model.
• To review and identify outcomes of support visits or Group sessions and where appropriate, liaise with Coordinators and inform them of any concerns/ issues.
• Welcome parents/ carers to the Family Groups, support them to share quality time with their children and provide non-judgemental support.
• To set up and clear the room at Family Group, ensuring all equipment is left clean and tidy.  Maintain cleanliness and safety of toys and equipment, replacing when necessary.
• To keep clear and accurate records on a family’s file on the database (Charity Log) of all contact, support to families and reviews.
• Work with other colleagues including health and social care professionals to achieve family resilience.
• Attend Team Around the Family, Child in Need and Child Protection meetings when necessary.
• Attend staff team meetings and supervision.
• Manage own caseload, administration and diary commitments.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of local service provision for appropriate signposting and referrals.
• Contribute to the Volunteer Preparation course.

Supporting the work of Home-Start Guildford:

• Promote Home-Start Guildford at local networks.
• Attend Home-Start family events and outings and relevant training.
• Work cooperatively with the Manager and staff team to support the development of and promotion of Home-Start Guildford.  This may include inducting new team members.

Am I the right person for this role?
We are looking for someone with the following skills:

• Knowledge of the voluntary, community and faith sector
• Excellent interpersonal skills, organisational, communication and listening skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding concerns
• Knowledge of current legislation and policies relating to children and families
• Experience of working with mental health issues
• Experience of working with individuals with English as a Second Language
• Ability to lead a team of volunteers
• Car driver with a clean licence and access to a car for work

What we are offering you:

Home-Start Guildford is a family friendly employer and keen to provide our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer a wide range of benefits; from annual leave, flexible working and a contributory pension scheme, as well as free on-site parking.

How to apply:

Home-Start Guildford is a small team, but one who works hard and has fun.  If you are interested in joining us, please read the job description and person specification and forward a completed application form and monitoring form.  

If you would like an informal conversation before progressing your application, please contact the Home-Start Guildford office.

Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment and equality of opportunity and diversity.  This role is subject to DBS checks.

Please see our website for more information about Home-Start Guildford.