Job Description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people's lives.

Are you passionate about actively involving children and their families to make key decisions and safe plans to promote the welfare of children?


Do you have experience of multi-agency working and sharing expertise to achieve best outcomes for children and young people?


Can you see yourself facilitating and chairing meetings with families?


If so, then we have an exciting opportunity for you as a Family Group Conference Coordinator within our small, well-established FGC team in BANES.


The FGC team model is used to bring family members and friends together to look at how they can collectively help provide safe, supportive and sustainable solutions to the problems being experienced in caring for children within the family. As a co-ordinator, you will be independent but work alongside social workers and other professionals, to engage families who are currently accessing Early Help and Children's Centres, Child Protection teams and Children in Care teams.


Further information about FGC can be found at:


http://www.frg.org.uk/what-is-a-family-group-conference-a-guide-for-families


https://frg.org.uk/lifelong-links/


As a wider children's service, Bath & North East Somersetis passionate about making a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of children, with a really strong value base focused on strong relationships. Our service has very recently been inspected by Ofsted and retained its rating as 'Good'. Inspectors wrote that: "Practitioners are creative, thoughtful and effective in making children safer, and keeping families together whenever possible." And "Social workers spend meaningful time with children to build relationships, including helping them to reconnect with family members, going rock climbing, eating out at restaurants, and drawing and painting. This helps children to build the confidence to share past trauma at a pace they are comfortable with."

Recent post-FGC Feedback:

A young person: "Well I feel that it achieved . . . opening up to some family friends and my family. It is useful in the long run because my mum has realised that it does impact me when she does these things and that she needs to change"


A grandmother: "When the professionals left the room the family were able to produce a comprehensive plan with clear expectations for each person. This was really useful as the plan can be re-read and people are reminded of what they offered. The FGC also enabled us to look at what would happen if things didn't go well and prepare an action plan for that eventuality."


A social worker: "The room environment was good, local, and the food provided enabled the family members to relax and have a small break. I liked the plan and how they were able to challenge each other but still focus on the children. I feel the risk has reduced due to this opportunity for all family members to meet in a safe environment and given time to discuss their own issues. The end of CSC involvement is near."

About the Role:

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence that you:

Are qualified and experienced in working with children and families Have a Level 4 qualification either in mediation, education or social care Are confident in facilitating and chairing meetings and managing conflict Have a clear understanding and experience of Family Group Conferencing, application of legislation and key associated principles Are confident in working within a multi-agency environment, delivering and willing to improve upon effective direct work interventions with families Have experience and ability to build positive relationships with children and young people quickly by understanding their lived experiences in order to advocate on their behalf Have the ability to understand and maintain focus on your own continuous professional development Strive to share learning and collaborate with practitioners and multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families. Transferrable skills are highly welcome!

The post is currently based in Bath and covers the whole of North East Somerset so the ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day/week/weekend is essential, as is a full driving licence and access to a car.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what's involved, please contact

Freyja Baber, Team Manager Family Support Plus on 01225 396961 or email

freyja_baber@bathnes.gov.uk

Interview date: TBC

No agencies please.

Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council's at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.*

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits


At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at

https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW


The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement:

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.