Children and Families Support Worker

Location: Cardiff County

The Children and Families Support Worker is a full-time post working across two distinct areas of the organisation's Children and Family Services:
Family Support and Family Time. The post holder will undertake work within each service according to the needs of the organisation and the requirements of the relevant service area. Although the post holder will work across both departments, Family Support and Family Time are separate functions with distinct referral pathways, service users, external stakeholders and recording requirements.
1. Working Across Two Distinct Services:

The post holder will work across the Family Support and Family Time services while maintaining the separation between the two functions. The post holder will be expected to:
Work within the referral, assessment, planning and reporting arrangements applicable to the relevant service. Maintain separate records and documentation for Family Support and Family Time work. Work within the contractual requirements and service specifications applicable to each department. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries between the two service areas. Work with different external stakeholders and professional networks according to the requirements of each service.

Ensure that information is shared appropriately and in accordance with confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding and organisational requirements. Notify the relevant Team Leader/Manager where an actual or potential conflict of interest is identified. Adapt their practice according to the purpose and requirements of each service. Participate in supervision and management arrangements relevant to the work being undertaken. The post holder must understand that although the role operates across both services, the two services remain operationally and professionally distinct.

2. Family Support Function:

When undertaking Family Support duties, the post holder will provide practical, emotional and developmental support to children, young people, parents and carers referred through the Family Support service. Family Support referrals may relate to a range of family circumstances, including:
Parenting difficulties, Children's behaviour and social interaction, Education and learning, Family relationships, Domestic abuse and family conflict, Bereavement and loss, Caring responsibilities, Physical or mental health, Disability and additional needs, Drug and alcohol misuse, Anti-social behaviour, Housing and homelessness, financial difficulties, Separation and divorce, Social and emotional wellbeing. Other circumstances affecting the wellbeing, development or stability of children and families.

The post holder will:
Undertake initial assessments of family needs as required by the service. Work with families to identify strengths, needs, risks and desired outcomes. Develop and contribute to appropriate support plans. Undertake planned home and community visits. Provide practical and emotional support to parents, carers and children. Support parents and carers to develop their parenting skills and confidence. Help parents understand and respond to the physical, emotional, developmental and educational needs of their children.

Support children with learning, development, emotional wellbeing and social skills. Provide practical advice around routines, home management, budgeting and household organisation where appropriate. Coach, mentor and motivate parents and carers to engage with appropriate activities and services. Support families to develop strategies that reduce difficulties and prevent escalation of need. Signpost and refer families to appropriate statutory, voluntary and community services.

Undertake regular reviews of progress and contribute to the evaluation of support provided.…