Aontacht Family Services is a residential family centre where we provide expert, evidence-based parenting assessments to courts and Local Authorities. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families through a tailored programme of support, activities, groups and workshops which may be run in the community or in-house.
We are looking for waking night family workers for our residential family centre in Royton.
The role of a Family Support Worker entails providing safety, support, care and guidance to families who are placed with us for assessment, helping them and guiding them to care safely for their children. In addition to offering support in relation to parenting, your role will also involve participating in the wider assessment of each parents' skills and parenting capacity.
You will be required to undertake direct observations and monitoring of CCTV to make accurate recordings. These examine the nature of the interactions between the children, family and environmental factors and are key in helping make sound recommendations and to inform ongoing assessments and future planning.
You will also be involved in the delivery of support, teaching and direct work sessions to parents to promote positive parenting as per Aontacht's bespoke teaching program
To ensure parents/carers prioritise the safety and welfare needs of their children
To ensure the safety of children and families during the night
Follow procedures in place to ensure building is secure at night
Undertake nightly cleaning duties
To ensure all relevant information is recorded and shared at morning handover meetings
As a Family Support Worker, you will exercise vigilance in respect of Health and Safety and promptly report all hazards and/or remedy them where appropriate.
You will maintain a caring, confidential, and culturally sensitive service through always adopting high personal standards at all times.
Understand and adhere to Aontacht Family Services Policies and Procedures.
Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 2002 as amended.
Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies.
Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift.
Working Hours
Waking night family support workers are required to cover night shifts as follows 8:30pm to 8:45am on week days, weekends and bank holidays. There will also be the opportunity on an ad hoc basis to cover sickness/holidays and any extra shifts that may need covering for families who require additional support.
Person Specification:
Essential
* Previous experience in working in a Children's residential setting, or within a children and families setting
* An understanding of children's safeguarding
* An understanding of effective practice, child and adolescent development, family support models and evidenced based practice
* Knowledge and confidence/previous experience of caring for young children under five
* Resilient and motivated person
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written
* Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental person displaying Patience and empathy towards some of the issues and challenges are faced by families
* Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
* Have a genuine desire to support others to improve their lives
* Able to work flexibly, including bank holidays, evenings and weekends
* Right to live and work in the UK
* GCSE in Maths and English at C Grade or above
Desirable
* Experience of management/supervision/mentoring of staff
* NVQ or Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent
* Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained
* Ability to drive and hold a full driving licence
* Good knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding
* A broad knowledge and understanding of local resources
* Please send us your CV and if shortlisted you will be asked to complete our application form. Please ensure that your CV evidences that you meet the persons specification otherwise we will be unable to shortlist you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,300.00-£29,500.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Application question(s):
* Our legal regulations stipulate that you must be over 21 years old to work in this role. Please confirm that you are over 21.
* For this job you must have previous experience in working in a Children's residential setting or within a children and families setting, and must be confident in caring for young children under five and nurturing/supporting others to do so. If your CV does not clearly evidence that you meet this requirement, please state how you meet it here. Your application will not be considered if you do not answer this question.
* Please indicate whether you are available to work in a full time position or casual role
Experience:
* Children and families setting: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person