Job Introduction
Senior Family Support Worker - Family Help Service
1 vacancy in Bradford West – 37 hours
1 vacancy in Keighley/Shipley – 37 hours
About Us:
Bradford Children and Families Trust was established in April 2023 to enhance the quality and delivery of Children’s Services across the Bradford district. Our purpose is clear, to ensure that our promise to improve the lives of children in Bradford becomes a reality. Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. As we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us. Our senior leadership team is permanent and committed to providing stability and continuity within the organisation. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? We are looking for talented individuals to join our Family Help Teams in Bradford to strengthen families and help shape the future of young lives. You'll be part of a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for children. Families Help is part of national reform work within the Families First Programme and seeks to enable change in the way that children and families at Child in Need level are supported. This includes reducing transition points and sticking with families when a relationship has been established. The ethos of Family Help is to work in partnership with families to effect positive, long term, sustainable change.
About The Role:
To work with and support families who need targeted and intense help. The role engages children and families with complex circumstances so that need can be identified early and addressed with whole family support and planning. The role is in a team that comprises of Senior Family Support Workers and Social Workers as well as colleagues from partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- To work alongside families to complete a comprehensive, holistic and strengths-based assessment of need and agree appropriate plans for children and families.
- To connect relationally with families to ensure the appropriate participation of children and families in their own assessment, plans and reviews.
- To provide restorative direct work and support using creative, child and family friendly approaches to build trust and effective relationships as well as understand the lived experiences of children.
- To engage and work in partnership with other professionals to deliver tailored help and support that makes a positive difference.
- To understand and work within legal frameworks, policies and procedures appropriate to children and families.
- To work with children and families on a Child In Need basis.
- To be able to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- To lead timely advice giving, referral and/or duty processes so that children and families are supported at the right level. This may include acting as a first point of contact.
- To lead plans for children and families and co-ordinate multi-agency support and meetings to deliver tailored targeted family help.
- To arrange and chair regular meetings and reviews with the children and family at the heart of the work.
- To maintain comprehensive, accurate and up to date records using electronic systems and equipment.
- To write assessments and reports as required.
About You:
- You will have recent experience of carrying out assessment, planning and direct intervention with children and families in need of help and support.
- Working directly with children, young people and parents as a unit and individually and recent ‘case holder’ experience is essential.
- NVQ 4 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care, including knowledge regarding children’s development, or equivalent child related qualification.
- Able to apply anti discriminatory practice and approaches in their day-to-day interaction with colleagues, children and their families to challenge bias, prejudice and intolerance.
- Able to work with others in the children and young people’s workforce to put the child at the heart of decision making.
List of Benefits:
- Generous Employer Contributions in a Local Government Pension Scheme
- Competitive salary and pay progression structure.
- Real living wage as the minimum rate of pay
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Supportive staff networks
- Access to Blue Light Card Discounts
- Professional development/support
- Career Progression
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Social Worker Registration Fees paid
- Flexible Working
Next Steps:
For informal queries on the role and trust please contact Lindsay Harmasch - lindsay.harmasch@bradfordcft.org.uk or Sarah Greenwood - sarah.greenwood@bradfordcft.org.uk.
Closing date – 22nd February
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
