About this role
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