Job Title:
Family Worker with Additional Needs Focus
About the Role:
Sure Start is a government health programme that provides a range of support services for parents and children under the age of four, who live in disadvantaged areas across Northern Ireland.
It aims to support parents from pregnancy and to give children the best start in life.
The Colin Sure Start centre covers the wards of Colin Glen, Derriaghy, Kilwee, Poleglass and Twinbrook in outer west Belfast.
The role of the Family Worker with Additional Needs Focus:
* To provide a supportive service within the home and community setting focused on the needs of families and children with additional and/or complex needs.
* To organise and implement a stimulating and varied programme of activities for children with additional and/or complex needs aged 0-4.
* To offer support, assistance and information to parents/carers, the wider staff team, and other professionals in relation to Colin Sure Starts Additional Needs support services.
The role will require engagement with families individually, in the home and within group settings in order to enhance the quality of life, play and learning opportunities of children with additional needs or requiring additional support within the Colin area.
Key Responsibilities:
Family Support and Programme Facilitation:
* To meet with and contribute to the ongoing assessment of the needs of children with additional and/or complex needs who have registered with or been signposted to Colin Sure Start, to support the development of care plans in conjunction with management to provide a tailored package of appropriate support.
* To provide a safe, stimulating and varied programme of play and learning opportunities for children under 4 years with identified additional and/or complex needs, suitable to individual children's age and stage of development and appropriate to their best interests.
Operational:
* To develop an understanding and knowledge of the local area, including local services/facilities and support systems for families and a working knowledge of the local community profile.
* To actively promote and maintain excellent working relationships, and work collaboratively with all staff, children, parents/carers and partner agencies to ensure fully integrated service delivery.
The ideal candidate will have experience of working with children with additional needs or learning difficulties, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the ethos and principles of community development. The successful candidate will also hold a full and current driving license valid in the UK with access to a car on appointment.