family support worker

Northgate plc; Northampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Pay

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Training and development

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Northgate School Academy Trust is seeking a Family Support Worker to collaborate with families to enhance learning and wellbeing for pupils aged 11–18 with EHC plans. You will support safeguarding, complete home visits, and work with external agencies to secure the best outcomes.

You will coordinate reviews, assist with training sessions, and maintain records while promoting student wellbeing and parental engagement within the community.

Qualifications

• Experience working with families and young people in education or social care.
• Understanding of safeguarding policies and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with families and young people; complete home visits as required.
• Collaborate with Housing, NSPCC, Sure Start and Social Care for best outcomes.
• Maintain safeguarding and act as designated safeguarding officer (DSO).
• Complete Early Help assessment referrals as needed.
• Coordinate, attend and contribute to LAC/PEP/CIN/TAF review meetings.
• Assist with Parent/Carer Forum meetings and training sessions.
• Keep up to date with new initiatives, policies and legal requirements.
• Support students in developing positive relationships and addressing diverse needs.
• Contribute to student reports and annual reviews.
• Facilitate opportunities for families to engage with the school before placement.
• Maintain records and support Student Leadership Programme and Student Council.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Safeguarding knowledge

DSO experience

Job description

Northgate School Academy Trust is a successful school in Northampton, serving children and young people aged between 11 and 18. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school caters for a range of complex needs in particular:

• Moderate learning difficulties
• Autism
• Speech, Language and Communication difficulties

Whilst we recognise that our children and young people have special educational needs we also work hard to recognise and celebrate and build upon their strengths and encourage them to be 'their best self'. We require a family support worker to join our dedicated team to work in partnership with families to strengthen relationships and capacity and to reduce barriers to learning by increasing parental engagement in their local community and in their young person's education. You will have working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of The Children Act of 1989 & 2004, Child protection and safeguarding issues and data protection. You will be an effective communicator who easily builds relationships with people. In particular, we are looking for someone who:

• 1. To work closely with families and young people and complete home visits, as required
• 2. Work with outside agencies to ensure the best outcome for families and young people such as Housing, NSPCC, Sure Start, Social Care etc.
• 3. Support all areas of Child Protection and Safeguarding and act as a designated safeguarding officer (DSO)
• 4. Complete Early Help assessment referrals, as required
• 5. Co-ordinate, attend and contribute to LAC/PEP/CIN/TAF review meetings
• 6. Assist with the organisation of Parent/Carer Forum meetings and training sessions
• 7. Keep abreast of new initiatives, policies and legal requirements through regular training.
• 8. Work directly with young people developing positive relationships and providing appropriate support to address a range of needs including disruptive behaviour and anxieties.
• 9. Actively support and contribute to student reports and annual reviews as required.
• 10. To provide opportunities for families to engage with the school before their child begins their placement.
• 11. To maintain records in accordance with the policies and procedures in place in school, including case studies. Support Student Leadership Programme and run the Student Council.

• A friendly and inclusive working environment and the chance to be part of a fantastic team who work hard and support each other
• Children and young people who are keen to learn
• A school determined to support wellbeing and work-life balance
• High quality continual professional development and training

Benefits:

• Sick Pay
• Teacher and support staff pension scheme available
• Free on-site car parking
• Regular training and development, team and wellbeing sessions
• Employee Assistance Programme (Relate)

We do not expect teachers to come to school knowing "everything there is to know" about SEND, however previous experience would be an advantage.

Northgate School Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff to share this commitment.

We will ensure that our recruitment and selection process reflects this commitment.

The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance, medical clearance and references that are satisfactory to the school.