6 months contract with a local authority
Summary
* This 6-month contract role with a local authority is designed to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service. The position is crucial in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, family-led decision-making approaches within Children’s Social Care. The focus is on empowering families to create safe, sustainable plans for children, thereby improving outcomes through early intervention, safeguarding, and care prevention.
Responsibilities
* Lead, develop, and expand the Family Group Conferencing service within the organization.
* Integrate restorative, strengths-based, and family-led approaches into service delivery.
* Drive innovation and continuous improvement in family-led decision-making practices.
* Promote Family Group Conferencing across Children’s Services and broader partnerships.
* Oversee the delivery of Family Group Conferencing, Family Mediation, and Family Network Meetings.
* Ensure services adhere to high national standards and meet performance targets.
* Manage complex casework and provide guidance on high-risk situations.
* Lead and support a skilled team, ensuring effective performance and professional development.
Essential Experience
* Significant experience working with children, families, and safeguarding systems.
* Experience in Family Group Conferencing, mediation, or restorative practices.
* Proven experience managing complex, high-risk, and high-conflict situations.
* Experience leading teams and managing staff performance.
* Experience working in multi-agency partnerships and developing services.
Essential Qualifications
* Relevant professional qualification in social work, youth work, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
* Evidence of continuous professional development in safeguarding, leadership, or restorative practice.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 37 hours per week.
* Enhanced DBS required.
* Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ, United Kingdom.
* Work pattern: 2 days remote, 3 days in the office.
* Bi-weekly schedule.
* Application deadline: 10th June 2026, apply ASAP.