Family Support Worker

Qualifications & Training Desirable / Essential Level 2 Qualifications in English and Mathematics E Relevant childcare, education, social care or health qualification to at least NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and/or considerable experience E Up to date Designated Safeguarding Lead Training or willingness to complete this E Training in a specialist area of parental support e.g. sleep training or a willingness to complete this E Training in as a mental health first aider or a willingness to complete this E Nationally recognized qualification in education D Experience Experience of handling complex Child Protection E Experience of working with families of children with SEND E Ability to deal with difficult situations E Working with families and delivering effective support for families E Evidence of experience of direct work with children and parents within a variety of settings and from a range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds including those who may not have previously accessed services, ideally those with learning difficulties or special needs E Able to set up and deliver programs of family support work including group work, community activities and training as appropriate to need D Knowledge Safeguarding and child protection knowledge with up to date current practice through updates and refresher training E Training in community work, counselling skills, or similar E Training in facilitating parenting groups or experience of successful signposting E Thorough knowledge of statutory services and relevant children’s legislation especially child protection and safeguarding E An understanding of the complexities and issues the families of children with complex SEND, including those with learning disabilities and neurodivergence E Knowledge of the education system and school attendance process D Understanding of child psychology and barriers to learning D Experience Ability to work with children and families in a variety of settings within school, at home or in the community E Ability to work flexibly and supportively with parents and carers E Ability to work in close partnership with teachers and other professionals as well as external agencies, voluntary groups and service providers E Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with children and adults, individually and in groups E Be tactful, diplomatic and sensitive with a good sense of humour E Ability to take responsibility and work on initiative within set boundaries E Excellent organisational and time management skills E Excellent oral and written communication skills including a sensitive approach to children and adults E Ability to keep clear, accurate records E Ability to maintain confidentiality E Be a confident and skilled user of ICT – able to use it with children and parents E Be reliable and trustworthy, able to use judgement in receiving and dealing with sensitive information E The resilience to deal with challenging situations involving parents under stress and Child Protection issues E Involvement in TAF/TAC / CIN / CP meetings E Able and willing to speak confidently to a range of audiences D Personal Qualities Positive view of children and young people with disabilities E Flexible approach to supporting children and families E Ability to maintain a professional manner in challenging situations E Confidence to challenge behaviour that is outside of our policies and procedures E Confidence to challenge other professionals E Commitment to self-development and willingness to undertake further training E Special Requirements No adverse criminal record and full enhanced DSB clearance E Visiting families in their homes is an essential requirement of this post E Flexibility in work patterns may be required sometimes E Able and willing to work flexibly as part of a team E Full driving licence D Car owner or access to transport D