Job Description
Job title: x2 Full time Family Project Worker: Parent Advocacy and Family Support.
Hours: 37.5
About Hurdle
Hurdle is run by Dudley Lodge, a UK registered non-profit organisation established in 1895 that specialises in safeguarding children.
We launched Hurdle in 2020 as a voluntary, early prevention family support service. Since then, we have been committed to improving the lives of families by working with them to create lasting, positive change.
Our mission is to support families to stay strong and independent, prevent crises and reduce the need for statutory services, helping more children and parents remain safely together wherever possible.
We listen with empathy and without judgment, building strong, trusting relationships to find real solutions together. We advocate for families, champion their voices and influence policies and practices to deliver the best outcomes.
Purpose of the Role
As a Hurdle Project Worker, you will provide holistic, trauma-informed, relationship-based support to improve the lives of families and reduce the number of children entering care.
This includes:
* Family Support for parents who have experienced, or are at risk of, recurrent care proceedings.
* Parental Advocacy for parents whose children are subject to the child protection process, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are understood and they can participate fully in decision-making.
By working in partnership with families, professionals and community resources, you will build trust, reduce isolation and empower parents to achieve their goals, strengthen relationships and create safer futures for themselves and their children.
Effectiveness Areas
* Family Support: Provide trauma-informed, relationship-based, emotional and practical support to parents at risk of recurrent care proceedings, helping them to achieve positive and lasting change.
* Parental Advocacy: Ensure parents understand child protection processes, have their rights upheld and their voices heard in meetings and conferences.
* Safeguarding: Promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and families at all times.
* Collaboration: Build effective working relationships with parents, colleagues and professionals to deliver coordinated and high-quality support.
* Quality and Accountability: Maintain accurate records, meet grant and contract objectives and contribute to continuous improvement of Hurdle’s services.
* Representation: Uphold and promote the values and reputation of Hurdle and Dudley Lodge in all work with families, partners and the community.
Benefits of working at Dudley Lodge:
* Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
* Team building days
* Employee Assistance Programme – this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
* Health Shield - After 1 year’s continuous employment, you can opt for free cover under this Cash Plan policy.
* A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
* Life Assurance - Group Life Assurance Policy with Canada Life. The scheme provides a tax-free benefit to all permanent employees, paying a lump sum amount of 2 x salary in the event of death in service.
* Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
* Continuous training and professional development opportunities
* Enhanced holidays:
* 22 days plus 8 bank holidays – up to 5 years continuous employment
* 27 days plus 8 bank holidays – at 5 years continuous employment
* 32 days plus 8 bank holidays – at 10 years continuous employment
* Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS
* Bike (Cycle) Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike (max, £1000 or 50% of monthly contractual salary). The employee cycle loan request form should be completed for validation.
* Long Service Awards: We value our staff and to show recognition we offer long service award
Our Commitment Statement
Our expectation of all staff is to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and fairness to all.
Dudley Lodge strive to provide an inclusive working environment and experience, where employees can bring their best, and authentic self to work. Where difference is recognised, respected, valued, and celebrated.
Our approach to inclusion and diversity is rooted in listening, learning and acting. This includes conducting ongoing listening forums across the company, the implementation of Inclusion & Diversity talking/support groups, workshops and training, good quality supervision, surveys and collaborative working parties. All with the core aim to receive honest feedback, reflect and continuously strive to be the best that we can be.
Dudley Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, provide that certain convictions and cautions are 'protected' and so are not subject to disclosure and should not be taken into account. Further information about this can be found on the DBS website or at Nacro.
This post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Dudley Lodge may also undertake an online search on shortlisted candidates.
*Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. We regret to inform you that we do not offer sponsorship for this position*
Close date: 12 PM Friday 12th September.