Job Description

To provide support, advocacy and advice for parents and children with additional support needs living in Dundee and Angus. The worker will use a nurture approach to support parents/carers and children to understand their behaviour and additional support need. They will provide advocacy at meetings and appointments and assist parents to access appropriate services. They will work closely with colleagues from NHS, Social Work, Education, Third Sector agencies. As part of this people-led project the worker will run workshops/training to support parents/carers' wellbeing and building capacity with parents/carers to train as Volunteer Peer Supporters.

Main responsibilities

To provide nurture and support to parents/carers and children with additional support needs To promote a people-led service, and support a person centred approach To develop and facilitate workshops on understanding and managing challenging behaviour,/anxiety etc. at times and venues/platforms to meet family's needs. To undertake home visits To provide advocacy and support at any appointments in relation to the child To develop and facilitate peer support groups To develop and facilitate locality surgery services To encourage parents to attend medical appointments and professional meetings and advocate for them when appropriate. To build a strong relationship with partner agencies. To have a good knowledge of services for families and refer to appropriate agencies when necessary. To facilitate links to appropriate groups and services To keep accurate and up to date records. To attend relevant training, staff meetings and supervision sessions.
Knowledge, training and experience required

Qualifications

Specific formal qualifications are not essential but relevant qualifications e.g. social care, childcare, community learning, nursing, mental health are desirable

Experience - essential

? Experience of supporting families and children with additional needs

? Experience of working with vulnerable families

? At least 2 years' experience of 1:1 support with vulnerable families

? Experience of partnership working

Experience - desirable

? Experience of facilitating groups

? Experience of Decider Skills

? Experience of supporting families through adversity

? Experience of providing Trauma informed and responsive support

Skills - essential

? Ability to work on own initiative

? Good track record of establishing positive working relationships

? Good oral communication skills

? Good organisational skills

? IT skills

? Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge - essential

? Understanding the need for advocacy

? Good knowledge and understanding of child protection, adult protection and data protection.

Knowledge - desirable

? Familiarity with Additional Support for Learning Act

General

? A full driving license and use of a car is essential

? This post is subject to PVG Membership

? Business insurance for your vehicle is an essential requirement of the post

? Expected to adhere to relevant legislation and organisational policies and proceduresDemands of the job

? All Support and Advocacy Workers are required to work from their own home.

? The post-holder is expected to respond to unpredictable work demands including crises within families.

? Occasionally manage conflict between parents and other agencies.

? Confidentiality, diplomacy and discretion are required at all times.

? Occasionally support families in distress and experience distressing situations e.g. a child being removed from the family to be looked after by the Authority etc,

? Work in isolation for much of the time and have limited contact with colleagues within Parent to Parent.

Decisions and judgements

The post-holder will

? organise and prioritise own workload.

? manage changing demands, make necessary changes to respond to crisis situations

? identify when issues should be referred to Senior Management Team

Other information

Salary: 20,355

Hours: 30hrs per week

Place of work: Dundee and Angus

Annual Leave: 20 days per year

Public Holidays: 11 days per year pro rata

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 20,355.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Work from home
Work Location: In person