First Steps North West is a residential family centre that provides expert, evidence based parenting assessments to courts and Local Authorities. The role of Family Key Worker involves providing safety, guidance, support and care to families who are placed with us for assessment. In addition to offering support in relation to parenting, your role will also involve participating in the wider assessment of each parents’ skills and parenting capacity. 

We are looking for bank staff to support our team with both day and waking night shifts which includes weekends. We offer fantastic development opportunities for staff and a high level of training provided in house. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families and who can work in a non-judgemental manner. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families at all times through programmes of activities, groups and workshops which are run in the community and in-house 

Person Specification: 

Essential 

• Knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding 
• Experience of working within a residential setting either children or adults 
• Diploma or Level 3 NVQ in Children and Young Peoples Workforce 
• Resilient and motivated person 
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental 
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team 

Desirable

• Previous experience in working in a residential family assessment centre  
• Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained 
• Ability to drive and hold a full driving licence 

First Steps is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of right to work in the UK. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Understand and adhere to First Steps Policies and Procedures
  
• Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 2012 as amended.
  
• To work alongside and in partnership with team members and other professionals (Social Workers, Police, Education, and Health) to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence. 
  
• Keep up to date and accurate monitoring and records of the family’s progress plus any incidents. 
  
• Attend regular supervision seminars and staff meetings, actively pursue relevant qualifications and undertake training as required developing the post holders own skills. 
  
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies. 
  
• Contribute to and maintain a high level of recording and report writing, and contribute in meetings as required to assist in planning to meet the needs of children and their families. 
  
• Those employed as drivers may be required to transport parents and their children as necessary for the successful functioning of the house and therefore would require business insurance on their policy. 
  
• Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift. 
  
• Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required by the manager to assist the functioning of the home or care towards our families at that time. This includes domestic tasks such as supporting with cooking and cleaning. 
  
• Such other duties as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.