Child and Family Specialist Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Acorns Children's Hospice are looking for a Children, Young Person and Family Support Specialist to join our Team in the Black Country Hospice, Walsall.  Our Support Specialists holistically assess the needs of children, young people and their families, providing advice and support to meet their physical, social and mental wellbeing needs.

About the Role

At Acorns Childrens Hospice we offer specialist palliative care and support for children and their families across the West Midlands. We are there wherever and whenever they need us, in the hospice, community and at home. Our aim at Acorns is to help families feel equipped to cope at every stage of their childs life with dedicated teams offering psychological, emotional and practical support. 

As Children, Young Person and Family Support Specialist, you will:

• Support and manage a caseload of families
• Collaboratively conduct the initial holistic assessment of children, young people and their families, considering the suitability of accessing family support service and/or other hospice services
• Facilitate the provision of ongoing emotional support to families
• Facilitate support groups and family activity days
• Support the child or young person and their family before and following death
• Act as a resource and provide knowledge, support and information to the MDT
• Empower children, young persons and their families to make decisions about their care and to exercise choice

The role is as wide reaching as it is rewarding. Youll liaise extensively with external providers and experts across Acorns, supporting families from diverse cultural and social settings across the region. Some, youll get to know over several years. Others could be suddenly admitted for an all-too-brief stay with us. Meeting their needs will be professionally invaluable and personally unforgettable.

Championing the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families is challenging and intense work. This role isnt for everyone, but, if youre looking for an engaging setting for the professional skills youve gained in the community, there is no better place than Acorns to work.

About You

• Registered professional in nursing, social work or allied healthcare (equivalent and relevant to the role)
• Experience of providing holistic support to children, young people and/or families
• Experience of managing caseloads in a complex multi-agency environment
• Experience of supporting families who have experienced loss or bereavement

Were driven by childrens needs, so you should be able to travel independently across the region

What We Offer

• £41,500 to £45,000 per annum
• 37.5 hours per week (job share applications are welcome)
• Based in our Walsall Hospice (WS5 4NL)
• Employee discounts from leading retailers
• Employee gym discount scheme
• Bike-to-Work scheme
• Generous contribution to group personal pension plan or continuation of current NHS pension scheme
• NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme

Interviews are scheduled to be held on 29 August

You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check for children and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references.  In addition, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of immunisation against specific diseases or confirm their willingness to receive the necessary vaccinations.

As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation, we are committed to ensuring that the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child is embedded into both culture and practice within the organisation. As an employee you will be a Duty Bearer for Childrens Rights and support all children to be Rights Holders.

If you have any questions, please contact us at recruitment@acorns.org.uk

Find out about our culture, career development, benefits and more here: Why Work for Acorns?

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered professional in nursing, social work or allied healthcare (equivalent and relevant to the role

Desirable

• .

Experience

Essential

• Experience of providing holistic support to children, young people and/or families, Experience of managing caseloads in a complex multi-agency environment, Experience of supporting families who have experienced loss or bereavement

Desirable

• Bereavement & Loss Counselling.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust

Address

Black Country Hospice

Walstead Road

Walsall

West Midlands

WS5 4NL

Employer's website

https://www.acorns.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)