R2R103520 - Family Centre Support Worker - FTC up to 6 months (Part Time and Full Time considered)

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend on Sea Council is seeking to appoint a caring, experienced, and committed Family Centre Support Worker to join our dedicated Family Centre team on a full time and fixed term contract basis (initially 6 months with potential to extend).

As a Family Centre Support Worker, you will work as part of the Family Centres team, and in partnership with key stakeholders, including children and families, to develop and provide high quality services for children 0 to 5 years and families and to improve outcomes for all children. You will work alongside families in their homes, the Family Centres and the wider community offering practical and parenting support, enabling families to help improve child/children's outcomes.  You will complete an initial assessment of families' needs, to identify and plan the support required for children under 5, you will work in partnership with the family and other professionals where required to provide appropriate support and interventions.

You will maintain high quality and accurate up-to-date administration and caseload records, including reports of all interactions. and prepare reports as per service requirement. You will assist families to access, build and maintain effective relationships with the Family Centres and other services. You will attend regularly and positively participate in all Family Centre meetings. You will model and demonstrate positive practice in parenting, suggesting, advising, guiding, and developing strategies to support service users in aspects of child development.

Although this contract is offered on a hybrid basis, the successful candidate will be predominantly out and about visiting family centres, working from office and occasionally working from home.

To be successful in this role, you need up to date knowledge and experience of safeguarding, policy and procedures. Including SET procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Previous experience of working with children and their families, including experience of running groups and evaluating their effectiveness is highly essential for this role. It is vital that you can work collaboratively with families who may be at risk, to identify their support needs, plan, implement and monitor emotional and practical support.

You must be able to communicate clearly and professionally through a variety of mediums with parents/carers, children, staff and professionals and excellent verbal, listening and presentation skills, including IT skills.

Your application will not be considered if you do not have a qualification in childcare/child development, health and social care, counselling, Early years, or a related professional qualification equivalent to at least NVQ 3.

A full and clean driving licence is essential for this role and your application will not be progressed without it.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.