Family Engagement Coordinator

Within the role of family engagement coordinator, you will be expected to coordinate and deliver stimulating and engaging short breaks services for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and complex needs and their families through events, outings and activities. As a coordinator, the day-to-day tasks that you will be required to complete can include: · Co-ordinate and support the development and delivery of family activities and events · Create and plan empowering and engaging sessions · Implement alternative communication tools within sessions · Manage the promotion, communications and branding of the events · Ensure processes are in place to collate stakeholder feedback · Evaluate the effectiveness of the services through observations and implement any changes as necessary · Encourage communication between staff team, families and young people to identify areas of development · Support to allocate staff to schemes in reflection of their skills and needs of the young people · Keep clear, accurate and up to date records · Ensure detailed risk assessments are completed · Implement budgets, invoicing and logistics · Attending community events to network and identify potential opportunities and providers. Collaborative Working · To work closely with the Children and Young People's Service Manager and Deputy Manager, West Sussex. Attending training, participating in supervision sessions with nominated manager · To liaise with managers and staff as required. · To assist in the induction, training and mentoring of support workers. · Attend regular staff meetings as required. · Attend training and help to deliver any training to staff as required. · Develop and maintain good working relationships with parents, extended family members, social workers, education and health staff, together with other professionals as appropriate or directed by your Manager About the Service: West Sussex Children and Young People's Service offer children and young people with a range of disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and/or those with complex needs aged 8-25 (18-25 with EHCP) in West Sussex who may be in or out of education, facing social isolation or unable to access group-based activities the support to feel empowered to develop the skills required to become independent and confident young people, through a range of activities at outreach centres, in the community and in their own homes.

As a charity we are looking for caring, hardworking and understanding people to join us to promote the values that Aspens champions; respect, honesty, empowerment and professionalism. Ideal candidate is those who are able and willing to work toward their own personal progression, for self-development and to be able to better support the people we work with. We have an incredible internal training team who support staff from day one to not only benefit your career going forwards but to offer you that first step in a new career if this is what you're looking for. Essential Availability: Hours of work vary and you will be required to be flexible to support the planned events Essential Training and Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years' experience working with children
• NVQ L5 in Child Care and/or Youth work or Equivalent
• Trained in safeguarding and child protection
• Paediatric First Aid training
• Commitment to continued personal development
Essential Experience and Knowledge:
• Understanding of play work principles
• Previous experience of monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in providing
leisure opportunities for disabled young people
• Experience or knowledge of autism
• Previous experience with writing reviews, support plans and risk
assessments
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Whistleblowing
Essential Skills and Attributes:
• A desire to remove barriers to inclusion for disabled young people
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills / Able to plan engaging, fun and creative activities for young people
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in a crisis
• Attention to detail
Strong negotiation skills to effectively deal with suppliers and providers
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Clear understanding of empowerment and involving young people in the development of the service.
• Good English and Maths Skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good working knowledge of IT including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
Additional Essential Criteria:
• Clean driving Licence and access to your own transport
  
  At aspens we have over 100 years of experience supporting individuals of all ages with a range of disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and those with complex needs. Through the provision of highly personalised support across a variety of services, we aspire to enable people to learn new skills, live life to the full and contribute to society however possible., At Aspens Charities, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and those who are likely to be underrepresented in Aspens' workforce, such as sex/gender, minority ethnic group, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age, as well as abilities. We believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and has an equal opportunity to thrive.
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is dedicated to supporting and promoting the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities. We recognise the value and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to our organisation. Applicants who declare they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will be offered an interview, where practicable and appropriate.

Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care) - Paid DBS (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation) - Flexible work arrangements with opportunities to take on additional bank shifts too - 30 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service - Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit (Includes unlimited access to a suite of six services: a 24/7 UK-based GP, Best Doctors, mental health support, a health check, access to nutrition consultations and an online fitness programme [Smart Health]) - Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders - Hardship loans and advance (subject to conditions) - Enhanced family leave pay - Travel season tickets (interest free loans for those wishing to purchase a travel season ticket) - Aspens High Street Stores - 20% discount on all items for Aspens' staff - Blue Light Card and access to high-street discounts