Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Group Worker to join our team in providing exceptional care to individuals in various settings, including assisted living, nursing homes, and home care environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patient care and a passion for supporting seniors, particularly those with Alzheimer's and dementia. As a Group Worker, you will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for our clients through personalised care and support.
Purpose of the Job
The main purpose of the role of Group Worker is to:
* Provide and facilitate group work for children and their parents/carers.
* In collaboration with the lead facilitator, organise, plan and implement interactive groups for children to support them to reach their age-appropriate milestones and ensure their readiness for School.
* To identify need and refer or signpost to additional support services where necessary.
* Ensure key public health messages are integral to the activities offered and work with partner agencies to promote these as necessary.
* To provide support to the core service of Home-Start Medway.
* Record all work undertaken with children and measure its impact. Support with feedback for impact reports as necessary.
* To ensure inclusion and diversity in all aspects of Home-Start's work within the groups.
* Liaise with partnership agencies including Nurseries, Schools and the local Council to monitor the progress of children supported.
Main Responsibilities
* To plan, prepare and implement groups to support children aged 0-7 to reach their developmental milestones.
* To support the facilitation of groups across Medway.
* To ensure effective communication with our venues, ensuring access to spaces is agreed.
* Ensure all groups comply with Health and Safety regulations, in line with the policies and procedures of the associated venue and policies of Home-Start Medway.
* In collaboration with the lead facilitator, assess the children that attend the group to establish developmental need and then plan activities to meet these needs during subsequent groups.
* Model age-appropriate play activities to parents/carers and offer a range of strategies and activities to manage behaviour and assist child development.
* Signpost parents / carers to relevant services to ensure they have the necessary provisions to meet their child/ren's needs. This may include referring to internal services within Home-Start, such as our Home-Visiting programme.
* To refer to and / or work in partnership with partner agencies to further develop parents/carers understanding of their child/ren's development.
* Ensure children are safeguarded during all groups and work in collaboration with statutory services such as Social Care as and when required.
* To ensure all activities are risk assessed and comply with Home-Start Medway Policy and Procedures.
* Work co-operatively with Management to support the preparation of the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
* To maintain accurate records of the support that you have provided for families in the groups on our database system. This would include the use of evaluation tools to enable us to evidence the impact of our work.
* To work within all Home-Start's policies and procedures including Confidentiality, Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures and Health and Safety Policies.
* Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
* To work within the ethos of Home-Start and have high standards of practice. The need to respect confidentiality is paramount, as is a mature and flexible approach to the work.
* Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
* To attend regular supervision meetings and annual appraisal.
Person Specification for Group Worker
Essential
Education and qualifications:
Good standard of education (NVQ level 3 or equivalent)
Relevant IT skills - Microsoft Office 365
Full Clean driving license and access to a vehicle
Whilst the office is based in Strood, groups will be delivered from various locations across Medway. Ability to travel across the area will be a key requirement.
Employment history: Relevant previous / current employment or voluntary work.
Experience of working with vulnerable parents/carers with children aged 0-7 years.
Experience of working with families with a range of needs
A sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection issues
A sound knowledge of age-appropriate child development
Commitment to the development of play opportunities for children of all abilities.
Knowledge of suitable strategies and techniques that would enable parents / carers to manage their child/ren's behaviour.Effective communication skills with adults and children.
Knowledge of games, activities, arts and crafts that support children's development.
Ability to lift and carry, e.g. equipment and children.
Reliability, enthusiasm, creativity and sense of humour.
Working in partnership and in the wider context:
* Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of people
* A positive and creative approach to tackling tasks
* Knowledge and commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice
* Ability to work as a member of a team and on your own initiative
* Understanding the need for professional confidentiality
* Commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity.Contribution to the development of Home-Start locally, regionally and nationally
* Willingness to access training opportunities
Desirable
Experience of working with families
Knowledge of the roles of agencies providing services for children and families
Knowledge and/or experience of completing risk assessments for activities for children and families
Experience of planning age-appropriate activities to support children's development
First Aid Qualification
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £22,222.00-£27,500.00 per year
Expected hours: 21 – 35 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company events
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Sick pay
Language:
* Have you got Early Years experience? (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Do you have a driving licence and car? (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: On the road