Service Objectives

The Stratford  District Children & Family Centre services improve the outcomes and life chances for all children, young people and their families by offering effective preventative and early intervention services, with a focus on those who are hardest to reach and are experiencing the greatest challenges in life.

This role is based in Barnardo's Stratford District Locality.

Roles and responsibilities specific to this post

The role of the Practitioner will be to deliver direct services to families through one-to-one support, groups, activities and courses. This may be delivered through a variety of means, including virtual platforms; and by phone; but mostly in person. Our primary focus will be working with children aged 0-11 years and their parents, as well as some groups for young people aged up to 19years (25years with SEND). Our work is all about making the biggest impact during the best window of opportunity in a child's life.

The postholder will be required to be flexible to work across the Stratford  District in our centres and community venues, as outreach work is a significant and regular part of our work. For this reason, access to your own transport would be essential. 

This is an As & When post to support our service when staff are on training, Annual Leave or unwell. Therefore this role requires flexibility from both parties and the postholder may be asked to work evenings and weekends.

We are looking to appoint an experienced Practitioner, but would also consider applicants who are committed to completing a level 3 childcare qualification. This is a busy and varied role where you will be required to work autonomously (lone working) and as part of a team to deliver a range of services. 

Offer fun and engaging activities to support children to develop positive social and emotional skills; Offer engaging groups for Young People Plan activities in line with the EYFS; Build positive relationships with parents/ carers; Hold sometimes difficult/ challenging conversations with parents; Offer advice and support, or signpost and refer parents to the most appropriate service.

Job specific requirements:
It is especially important that the successful candidate is able to demonstrate experience of and/or an understanding of the following:

Knowledge and practical experience of the EYFS, including a childcare qualification to at least level 2. Experience of working with and supporting young children and their parents/ carers. Confidence in communicating effectively with parents/ carers, colleagues and other professionals. Competence in IT and email, working with Word and other Microsoft packages. Experience of delivering Early Years' services in community settings is desirable. Qualified to deliver Baby Massage and Chatter Matter's courses is desirable.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable). This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.