We are looking for Sessional Children’s Centre Support Workers to work with Children’s Centre staff and other professionals to support young children and their families in accessing Children’s Centre services.

You will possess a relevant professional qualification and/or substantial practical experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the provision of a high standard of child centred, quality practice to enable parents and carers to better meet their children’s needs.

The term sessional means you will be working on an 'as and when' basis.

For an informal discussion about these roles please call Richard Nobes, Programme Manager, on 07720 940 249.

Title:

Children’s Centre Support Worker – Sessional

Job purpose:

To support and work alongside a range of early years workers to deliver services to young children and their families that ensure that the most vulnerable families receive information and support that relates to early years provision that enables them to access quality services.

Reporting to:

Children’s Centre Manager

Location:

Wiveliscombe and Surrounding Communities Children’s Centre, Croft Way, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 2BF.

Reward Band:

Project Worker 1 (SA) £7.60 - £9.95 per hour (subject to a pay award)

Key activities:

To agree with the Children’s Centre manager one or more key activities working with the Children’s Centre team to jointly develop work with families with a range of experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles.

These activities could include

• identify and engage with individuals, families and groups especially those who are under represented amongst the users of Children’s Centres and encourage them to become involved with the centre’s activities
• be involved with setting up and running of workshops and training to enhance parent’s understanding of their role with regard to their children’s health, development, education and wellbeing.3
• to develop and promote practical ways of consulting with identified hard to reach groups to learn about their needs.
• ensure that the children’s centre is welcoming and supportive to parents and children
• work in partnership with other agencies, especially those who deliver core offer services such as health, social care, job centre play to deliver quality services to children and families especially those who are hard to reach.
• support individuals and groups in playing a full part in governance and decision making within the Children’s Centre, the community and The Children’s Society.
• work with colleagues and external agencies to develop services that fill the gaps in provision.
• contribute to the goals and targets of the pioneer areas of The Children’s Society, and to ensure that work is child centred and high quality
• support work with targeted groups and individuals
• work as part of the team including close and cooperative working with colleagues and providing absence cover when necessary
• To record all contact and activities with service users to The Children’s Society standards and as required for monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

Attainments:

In order to be considered for this post you will have to demonstrate that you have:·

• A childcare qualification relevant to the post or are working towards a qualification relevant to the post
• In the absence of such a qualification the post holder should be able to demonstrate competence derived from substantial practical experience
• Experience in direct work with children and adults and confidence in using a child centred approach to work·
• An understanding of social exclusion and experience of inclusive practice
• Sufficient IT skills to communicate in an office that uses Microsoft Office applications

Core Competencies:

 In order to be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate that you have ability to:

Continuously improve:

• Take part in the planning, monitoring and development of the work with team colleagues and based upon the evaluation of the work with children and families
• Be committed to the development of the work and prepared to try different approaches where this is necessary

Agree and meet targets:

• Commit to the quality standards required for the work and demonstrate the practice based upon that commitment
• Work with the team to achieve the outcomes, asking for guidance and support when required

Manage self:

• Seek and agree personal development

Lead others:

• To be a good role model for parents and visitors
• Respond positively to suggestions and feedback
• Use agreed practice guidelines to support the needs led work with children and families

Build and maintain relationships:

• Develop positive professional relationships with colleagues and service users
• Able to work co-operatively as a member of a team
• View others positively.

Communicate with others:

• Show competence in consulting with other agencies, professional colleagues and members of the community
•  Demonstrate a high standard of written and oral communication

Provide a service to others:

• Be a good representative of The Children's Society by promoting the Society’s standards and approach in all that they do, from dealing with a query to taking part in planning and strategy group meetings.

Manage resources:

• Being careful in the use of resources to both conserve the resources of the project and to model good practice to children and adults who work with the project

Special Job Circumstances:

This job has the following special circumstances:

• Occasional travel
• There will be a need to work some evenings and weekends
• Enhanced CRB check is required

(Please note: If you have difficulty in meeting these conditions because of a disability or family circumstances the appointing manager will discuss it with you in order to consider reasonable adjustments to the job or working conditions)

Relevant Personal Characteristics:

So that you personally can succeed in this role and The Children’s Society you will require: a) An understanding and acceptance of the principles and values of the organisation b) At all times to carry out your responsibilities with due regard to The Children’s Society commitment to keeping children and young people safe c) A commitment to diversity and equality in working relationships and practice d) To be flexible, adaptable and able to cope with changing priorities and demands e) To be an effective team member f) To be sensitive to the needs of parents, children and young people and be able to have fun.