Job description
Job Title: Families and Professionals Advisor (Under 16 Enquiries)
Travel Required: Remote working with occasional visits to our office
Position Type:
- 18 hours per week, to include covering our helpline from 09:30am - 4pm on Mondays and Fridays, with the remaining six hours to overlap with our Families and Professionals Advisor (over 16s) sometime Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9-5.
Terms:
- A permanent contract, with an initial six month probationary period
Closing Date: Friday 10th March
Interview Date: Tuesday 21st March
Start Date: Tuesday 2nd Mar (please note that the first four weeks of work will be Tuesday to Thursday from 09:30 until 4pm to allow for handover
TO APPLY:
Please submit a CV outlining all qualifications and the names of three references (not family or friends) with a covering letter explaining how you fit the job description to Mrs Marie Williams
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Fragile X Society employs two Families and Professional Advisors, and due to retirement, we have a vacancy. Our Families and Professionals Advisor (under 16s) will provide help and support to families and professionals in regard to Fragile X Syndrome. The successful candidate will be part of a small staff team who ensures that the Fragile X Society offers a culturally sensitive, easily accessible service to individuals affected by Fragile X Syndrome, their families, carers and professionals working with individuals affected by Fragile X.
Duties include:
- To respond to general enquiries from parents, carers and professionals on Fragile X Syndrome and provide in-depth support and practical guidance on under-16s enquiries. Enquiries may be via the Society’s social media, email and telephone.
- To support families and carers of children affected by fragile x when they are dealing with local professionals within health, education and social services. This may include writing reports and letters of support for families.
- To advise professionals who support our fragile x families on appropriate strategies and interventions.
- To advise carriers on Fragile X Premutation Associated Conditions, including PGT and reproductive options.
- To keep abreast of legislative changes, and monitor and assess current issues, in education, social services and benefits.
- To support the development of information resources and writing of articles for the newsletter and/or website. This will include sourcing information about other organisations and their services, and to direct families appropriately for further advice.
- To maintain accurate records of work for monitoring, co-ordinating and reporting purposes.
- To support coordination of and attend Virtual Support Groups, as required (may be evenings or weekends).
- To support Society conferences, and attend, as required (very occasional weekend).
- Other duties which may arise within the remit of supporting families, those living with Fragile X Syndrome, and professionals involved in their care.
Essential Criteria:
Professional skills:
- Either a minimum of NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent A-levels
- Experience of or the ability to demonstrate the competence to work with children, young adults and adults with intellectual disabilities and their parents, carers and family members
- Substantial vocational experience in a relevant scientific, specialised or operational field.
- Knowledge of services relevant to children and adults with disabilities, their parents, carers and families
- Good understanding of the developmental milestones of children and young people, including children and young people with disabilities, and the issues that affect them and their families
- Clear DBS check
- Proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.
- Willingness to learn the eTapestry database used by the Society
- The ability to keep clear records, maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Society’s policies, including Safeguarding Policy and GDPR Policy. Safeguarding certification will be necessary, but training can be provided by the Society.
Personal Skills:
- Good listening skills
- Clear and sensitive communication, both verbally and written
- To be able to manage sometimes complex enquiries in an empathetic and non-judgemental manner
- Ability to manage workload effectively, including prioritisation
- Ability to creatively problem solve
- Ability to work collaboratively and positively within a small team
Desirable
- Knowledge of Fragile X Syndrome
- A university degree in a relevant field
- Experience of multi-agency and partnership working
- Knowledge of current legislation, guidance, policy and procedures including those relating to children, families, carers and specialist education services.
- Background in special education
- Experience in working as part of a helpline service
- Experience in producing practical resources such as social stories.
- Evidence of further professional training e.g. Mental Health First Aid
Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 18 per week
Salary: £12,600.00 per year
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
- Please submit a covering letter explaining how you fit the job description
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Essex, CM6 1DA
Application deadline: 10/03/2023
Reference ID: FAPA
Expected start date: 02/05/2023