Family Group Worker

Principle purposes of the job:

To deliver group support services including:

·         provision of child focussed play/educational activities to support development

·         parental guidance to support child development

·         supervision of Play Leader and support for Volunteers

·         to work alongside the scheme Manager in the planning and delivery of group support

Main responsibilities:

·         To work within Home-Start’s standards and methods of practice including Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children, Confidentiality and all mandatory policies.

·         Work in close co-operation with the Play worker, Volunteers and other scheme staff as directed by the scheme Manager.

·         Work in partnership with other family support agencies, as appropriate

·         To make initial contact with families to assess their needs

·         Review family’s needs on a regular basis and at the end of support.

·         To maintain contact with individual referrers during a family’s support

·         To welcome all parents/carers to the Family Group, recognising the importance of their role as the prime educators of their children

·         To be aware of group dynamics ensuring the groups provide a non-judgemental environment for children and their parent/carer

·         To provide a safe, stimulating environment for children and their parents

·         To be vigilant about the upkeep of equipment ensuring good standards of safety and hygiene are followed.

·         To closely work alongside the Play Worker planning activities for the children

·         To make observations, record and report on children’s development

·         To encourage the active participation of parents/carers in their child’s play and other activities as appropriate

·         To provide opportunities for external agencies to offer advice/information to families

·         To promote the use of suitable toys, books and activities and encourage the use of local resources e.g. Toy Library, Library and Children & Family Centres

·         To complete a Risk Assessment prior to each session/outing

·         To keep a register at each session detailing names of all those attending, including visitors/speakers with an evaluation of each speaker

·         To record any accidents/incidents in the Accident or Incident Book and report as appropriate

·         To respond, record and report appropriately all Safeguarding Children/Child Protection issues

·         To liaise with the Manager regarding budgets

·         To promote the work of Home-Start with referrers

·         To be willing to undertake training as appropriate, including safeguarding/child protection.

·         To attend regular supervision sessions

·         To regularly attend staff Meetings