Transition to Fatherhood Support Worker - Health in Pregnancy Service Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Fatherhood Support Worker within the Health in Pregnancy Service. This role focuses on providing essential support to fathers-to-be and their families, ensuring they receive the guidance and resources needed during pregnancy and postpartum. The position involves working closely with health professionals to promote infant feeding, mental health, and overall well-being. As part of a dedicated team, you will have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of families in Walsall, contributing to their health and happiness. If you are passionate about supporting families and have a relevant background in health or social care, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing support to fathers-to-be and their families.
• Knowledge of health promotion and infant feeding practices.

Responsibilities

• Educate expectant fathers on breastfeeding and their supportive role.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and safe sleeping practices.

Skills

Breastfeeding Support

Mental Health Awareness

Communication Skills

Community Engagement

Education

Relevant Health or Social Care Qualification

Job description

Job Opportunity: Fatherhood Support Worker in the Health in Pregnancy Service

This is an exciting opportunity for a Fatherhood Support Worker to work within the Health in Pregnancy Service.

The post holder will offer a lived experience of the health and social support needs of Walsall fathers-to-be, their partners, and families during pregnancy, after birth, and up to six months postpartum. Key practice areas include:

• Providing sensitive, infant-led support to men and their pregnant partners in hospital and community settings.
• Working directly with individuals, families, and groups to support infant feeding, healthy pregnancy, mental health, and social support.
• Offering face-to-face and virtual support where appropriate.

The Fatherhood Support Worker will implement care programs under the guidance of Health in Pregnancy Nurses and the Clinical Lead, working within established best practices and reporting on progress. They will operate with initiative in clients' homes but will have access to clinical supervision.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is the sole provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300 with state-of-the-art facilities, including a new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre opened in March 2023.

Key Responsibilities

• Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Support: Educate expectant fathers on breastfeeding's importance and their supporting role.
• Health Promotion: Promote safe sleeping, healthy lifestyles, smoking cessation, smoke-free homes, home safety, and mental health.
• Develop links with health professionals and community workers to support men's health and infant feeding best practices.
• Assist with health education activities within hospital and community settings.
• Ensure a safe environment for clinics and activities, and advocate for expectant fathers' access to services.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and effective communication, demonstrating empathy and tact.
• Respond appropriately to emotional and distressing situations.
• Build collaborative relationships with maternity and other health services.
• Be accountable for personal professional activities, making appropriate referrals and escalating concerns.
• Manage workload effectively, participate in appraisal, service evaluation, and ongoing learning.

Note: Previous applicants need not apply. The vacancy may close early if high application numbers are received. The closing date is Sunday, 11 May 2025.