As a Family Group Conference Coordinator and Mediator, you will play a key role in empowering families to take ownership of their plans and strengthen their support networks. You will lead Family Group Conference meetings, shuttle conferences and mediation sessions, working directly with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard. You'll guide families through sensitive conversations, help resolve conflict, and produce clear, practical and evidence‑based plans that address risks and promote positive outcomes. You'll work closely with social workers, partner agencies and other professionals, offering advice on FGC practice, supporting quality referrals and maintaining the high standards of the service. The FGC Service sits within Specialist Support Services in Children’s Social Care, working with children, young people and their families to support safe, family‑led decision making at times when additional help, planning or safeguarding responses are needed. This is a rewarding role where your work will make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.
Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate Family Group Conference meetings (FGC) to support family‑led decision making, ensuring plans promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
* Work directly with children and young people to understand and present their views, wishes and feelings within FGCs and mediation.
* Encourage the active participation of parents, children, young people and professionals, ensuring meetings are safe, inclusive and effective.
* Coordinate and lead Shuttle meetings where families cannot meet together, co‑working these to maintain safety.
* Produce clear, detailed and future‑focused family plans and mediation agreements, ensuring they address identified risks and can be implemented immediately.
* Plan, prepare and coordinate mediation sessions in a safe and supportive environment, facilitating discussion and conflict resolution.
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with children, families and multi‑agency partners, encouraging collaboration and positive outcomes.
* Respond appropriately to new or emerging risk information from social care and other services in cases open to the team.
* Provide advice, support and training to professionals on FGC practice, referral quality and processes.
* Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records and ensure data protection compliance.
* Contribute to service evaluation processes and Ofsted inspections as required.
* Work flexibly, including occasional evenings or early mornings, to meet the needs of families and the service.
* Uphold professional standards and engage in ongoing personal development.
Qualifications and Experience
* A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent), with willingness to undertake FGC Coordinator and Mediator training.
* A driving licence and access to a vehicle would be desirable.
* Knowledge of Family Group Conference principles, mediation practice, child development, the Children Act 1989, child protection procedures, and issues affecting children and families.
* An understanding of professional boundaries, equality, anti‑oppressive practice and the impact of discrimination.
* Experience working with children and families, including chairing meetings and collaborating with multi‑agency professionals.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presenting and engaging effectively with diverse families.
* Ability to prioritise and organise workload, meet service timescales, work independently (including safe lone working), and maintain accurate confidential records.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Outlook and strong organisational skills to support effective planning, coordination and decision‑making.
Benefits
* Competitive Salary: £36,363 – £39,152 pro rata to hours worked.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme – we invest in your future.
* Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council) and the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: up to 26 flexi days per year subject to business needs.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: access to a range of training, development and progression opportunities.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: discounted gym memberships, mental health resources and more.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: drive a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: enjoy discounts on shopping, travel and services, plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics and more after 6 months service.
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