Childcare connector family support worker - united kingdom, edinburgh

opfs is looking for a dynamic colleague who can help parents over one of the biggest barriers in getting back into employment or education – finding and securing childcare.

the childcare connector will work with parents and providers to help them find each other and ensure that families can make a positive transition to the next chapter in their lives.

this is a fixed term position for 6 months, with the potential for the post to be extended if successful and further funding is secured.

childcare connector – family support worker

edinburgh eh1 3ep

ftc 1 oct 22 – 22 march 23

£23,218 – £28,379

35 hours per week

opfs edinburgh supports single parents with a range of issues that affect their ability to play a full part in the economic and social life of their communities.

a major barrier for many parents in doing that is identifying and successfully using affordable and flexible childcare that meets their needs. this affects their abilities to find suitable employment, progress within their current jobs and enroll in education or training opportunities.

while some aspects of this are due to larger systemic issues, there is a need for a worker with local knowledge of the different forms of childcare in the city who can proactively support single parents to create sustainable packages of care for their children.

duties will include:

supporting parents in the community to understand the different forms of early years care, education and after school care.
supporting parents in the community to understand the best form or combination of care for their needs and how it can be funded.
supporting parents in the community who have not used childcare previously to feel confident in the benefits to their children and themselves.
liaising with different providers of childcare in communities across edinburgh to support effective transitions for parents going into employment or education.
remain in touch with single parents for at least 13 weeks to ensure that the care arrangements are suitable and sustained.
liaise with opfs to ensure that families are receiving holistic support from the project.
meeting regularly with line manager for support and supervision.
attending scheduled team meetings and training as required.
documenting work and maintaining confidential information.

personal specifications:

essential:

childcare – a sound understanding of the childcare sector and the different ways parents can fund it based on their circumstances.
lone parents – awareness of barriers faced by separated parents and ways of addressing these challenges
equalities – an awareness of the barriers different communities face in accessing services and a commitment to be proactive in reaching out to those parents.
qualifications: relevant professional qualification or an exceptionally good standard of education (equivalent to hnc/hnd, svq 3 or 4) combined with relevant experience.
relevant knowledge - understanding of differences in informal and regulated care and the role of regulatory bodies in helping parents make informed choices.
communication skills – a good standard of written and oral communication. ability to engage effectively with less confident parents as well as childcare providers and employers.
outreach - experience of engaging with parents and children in their own communities.
organisational skills: able to work effectively on own or with colleagues to an agreed plan. demonstrates initiative to solve problems.
it: competent in word processing, spreadsheets, use of databases, and of e- mail.
safeguarding: completion of a satisfactory basic disclosure check

desirable:

child development: knowledge of child development, attachment and how transitions affect families.
collaboration: experience of partnership working with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
services for families: knowledge or experience of local (statutory and third sector) services particularly in regard to employability, training and further education.
employability and further education – understanding of processes that single parents may be undertaking to reach their goals and how childcare contributes.

benefits

25 days holiday and 12 public holidays.
pension
training , support and supervision

the closing date for applications 9:00 am on 16/9/22. interviews: 26/9/22

how to apply for the role:

if you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to tailor your application.

you must be eligible to work in the uk. no agencies please.

confirmation of appointment is subject to completion of a 3-month probationary period, references, and receipt of a satisfactory pvg.

opfs aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. opfs has investors in people status and living wage accreditation

other suitable skills and experience includes support worker, social care, childcare, support work, social services

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