Family Group Conferencing Co-ordinator

As a Family Group Conference Coordinator in Early Help you'll thrive on supporting families, early in the life of the problem. You will be involved in the establishment of a new Family Group Conferencing Team that will take a community-based approach.,

• The ability to plan, organise, coordinate and facilitate initial Family Group Conferences and reviews in a way that responds appropriately to the needs of individual families from diverse backgrounds.
• To the ability to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and expertise in order to co-ordinate meetings which bring together families and professionals to make and agree safe plans for children and young people within their network.
• The ability to ensure that all family members are able to participate fully in the Family Group Conference process, in particular to facilitate the involvement of children and young people in FGC's using a wide range communication techniques.
• To ensure that vulnerable adults are supported through the FGC process.
• To ensure that, in conjunction with the team manager, that safeguarding procedures are adhered to by recognising and taking action in relation to the safety of children where concerns and risks are identified and supporting families to draw up plans and implement arrangements which will ensure a child is safely cared for within their family network., As our new Family Group Conference Coordinator in Early Help, you will be integral to the developments of this new offer to the partnership. This is an exciting time for Early Help in Leeds as we begin to deliver our multi-disciplinary approach to supporting families, early in the life of the problem. Building on what we know works, you will work closely with a Manager and a team of co-ordinators to deliver a community based approach to Family Group Conferencing and you will contribute to a partnership approach across the City. This will support early help intervention and developments around family-led decision making, whilst supporting families to avoid unnecessary referrals to statutory social work teams. These proposals are aligned with the Children and Young People's Plan 2023- 2028 and our obsessions.
The role is integral to our Early Help Service and you will be key to our comprehensive Early Help offer to families. This is an exciting time to join Early Help Services in Leeds and be a part of the new Early Help Model of Delivery!, Family Group Conference (FGC) Coordinators will be responsible for providing high quality Family Group Conferences in Leeds. Responsibilities
• To plan, organise, coordinate and facilitate initial Family Group Conferences and reviews in a way that responds appropriately to the needs of individual families from diverse backgrounds.
• To exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and expertise in order to co-ordinate meetings which bring together families and professionals to make and agree safe plans for children and young people within their network.
• To ensure that all family members are able to participate fully in the Family Group Conference process, in particular to facilitate the involvement of children and young people in FGC's using a wide range communication techniques.
• To ensure that vulnerable adults are supported through the FGC process.
• To ensure that, in conjunction with the team manager, that safeguarding procedures are adhered to by:
• Recognising and taking action in relation to the safety of children where concerns and risks are identified.
• Supporting families to draw up plans and implement arrangements which will ensure a child is safely cared for within their family network.
• To provide advice and consultancy to professional staff and other agencies about FGC's and advise on potential referrals.
• To provide training for referrers, other professionals and community groups about the FGC model.
• To provide training for professionals who will be presenting information to a FGC.
• To collect data for the FGC evaluation process, ensuring feedback from the FGC is gathered from children, young people, family members and professionals.
• To ensure that administrative tasks of Family Group Conferences, including the initial FGC and follow up review are completed.
• To contribute to the development and promotion of Leeds Family Group Conference Service and related work to support vulnerable children and families.
• To take part in regular supervision, practice development groups and training sessions to ensure good quality practice, up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.
• To undertake other duties as required by the FGC service manager in relation to the implementation of FGC's.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner., Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  The post requires that the post holder has the CQSW/DipSW/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant service area. If a qualified Social Worker, you should be registered with Social Care England upon commencement of the post and maintain yearly registration.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and be self motivated.
• Ability to chair and facilitate meetings involving families, children and young people
• Ability to work in an organised way and to timescales
• Ability to establish a good working relationship with referrer and communicate with all family members, including children and young people, enabling them to take an active part in the process.
• Ability to manage conflict and encourage adults to make plans in the best interests of children.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate in a wide range of situations
• Ability to inform family and appropriate agency staff of any new risks to children.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work creatively and flexibly, solution focussed and reflective
• Active listening skills.
• Ability to take a neutral role.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with staff from all agencies.
• Good level of computer literacy
• Flexibility to work outside normal working hours to fit in with the needs of families
  
  It is our ambition to grow our Family Group Conferencing Service so more families can benefit from Family Led Decision making strategies, including FGC at an earlier stage. This approach is aligned with our commitment to Early Help, our Early Help Strategy and the Leeds Practice Model which incorporates family led decision making as a key element of practice in Leeds. You will work closely with our newly developed Family Hubs, our existing Family Group Conferencing service and the wider partnership to deliver this new model of support and you will help families to address a wide variety of needs!
Whilst this role is currently funded until March 2026, there is a possibility of funding post this date which will be confirmed as soon as possible. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.


• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further