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The West Sussex approach puts the child first. We work with children, families, communities, our partners and schools in a restorative, strength-based way. Strong relationships are at the heart of what we do.

Operating within the Children, Young People and Learning Directorate, you will be expected to have a good understanding of how local, regional, and national education, health and social care markets operate and the ability to identify and manage opportunities and risk.

Please view the National House Projects Youtube page for further information around what a House Project is - The National House Project - YouTube

Salary: £32,020 - £34,723 per annum

Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours)

Contract Length: Permanent

Location: Countywide travel may be required – based at Langley Green Youth Centre (opportunity for hybrid)

As a House Project Facilitator, you will be providing direct support to approximately 12 young people we care for who are over the age of 16 who have been referred to the House Project, ensuring that they have the maximum possible ownership of the project, maintain their membership and achieve good outcomes.

The aim of project is to provide independence and support to young people. Over a period of around a year, the project members will develop their life skills, community skills and independence to live their lives, achieve their aspirations, be a good neighbour and manage a tenancy. Ongoing support will also be provided to young people who graduate from the House Project.

You’ll need to be able to work tenaciously, flexibly and in an entirely solution-focused and empowering way. This will be a physically active role, and you’ll be regularly involved in various group activities with young people including residential trips and sports activities such as bowling, swimming and orienteering. You will also need to be able to drive to various locations around the county, for example to visit homes, facilitate young people’s access to project activities, and to attend statutory meetings.

Key Skills:

• Developed communication, interpersonal and influencing skills in a variety of contexts with young people, e.g. one to one, group discussions and formal meetings, with the aim of achieving consensus, decisions, team commitment and good outcomes.
• Ability to form positive relationships with young people which facilitate positive personal development, involving them in decision making at every level.
• Ability to work collaboratively and to build effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, such as schools, training providers, Youth Service, Social Care, Health, Careers and Offending Service, in order to progress ideas, proposals and solutions.
• Ability to negotiate with external stakeholders and with the young person e.g. around housing options and housing provisions.
• Ability to work effectively on your own initiative, manage your own time and achieve challenging outcomes to tight deadlines, whilst also being aware of when to refer issues to the Project Lead.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and plan accordingly.

Qualifications and/or experience:

• Relevant degree, or equivalent qualification or experience, demonstrating that level of applied knowledge in providing advice and support to young people.
• Relevant postgraduate professional qualification or equivalent qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Have an understanding of the social, emotional, safeguarding and practical challenges facing the young people we care for and care leavers, and an understanding of how these may be overcome.
• An understanding of child development, the impact of trauma and experience of working with vulnerable young people to an agreed practice framework.
• Clear understanding of the legal framework for children and young people who are looked after.
• Clear understanding of safeguarding and ability to assess situations for and with young people, managing and referring on appropriately.
• Demonstrate previous successful experience of working with young people, who have faced difficult circumstances, some of whose behaviour may be challenging or chaotic, and supporting them to build confidence and achieve good outcomes under pressure.
• You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive:

• A competitive salary
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
• A generous pension scheme
• Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
• Flexible working
• A range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers with the opportunity to save over £1,000 (Including: Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and many more)
• Free access to employee assistance programmes
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Car benefit scheme
• A range of commuting and business travel discounts and initiatives

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

The reference number for this role is CAFHE04611.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please contact Yasmin Greenwood (Project Lead) at [email protected]. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected].

To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter outline your motivations for applying and explain how you meet the key skills listed in full and the experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, referencing and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.

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