Overview:
You will be working alongside the Forest School team to deliver an our innovative family "WIld Play" wellbeing forest school session. Our Wild Play family session supports families with primary aged children that are recovering from trauma including, school trauma, domestic abuse and bereavement. Many children attending have SEN needs. Our Forest School Leaders will lead and facilitate forest school activities, while the Family & Wellbeing Coach will provide additional emotional and wellbeing support to participants.
Sessions are on Thursday mornings in term time - 9.15-11.45am
You will work closely with Forest School Leaders and the wider team to ensure participants receive consistent, compassionate and person-centred support.
You will help to create a non-judgemental, supportive and encouraging community environment where children, families and individuals feel comfortable, valued and listened to.
The role is focused on helping individuals to recognise and build on their strengths, develop confidence, improve family relationships to improve their wellbeing
You will need to be flexible in your approach.This session may include one-to-one support, small group work and enabling peer support and friendships to develop.
Key responsibilities
- Work alongside Forest School Leaders to support the delivery of wellbeing-focused forest school sessions.
- Help create a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental and supportive environment.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with children, young people, adults and families.
- Use excellent listening and communication skills to understand individual needs and experiences.
- Encourage participants to recognise their strengths and develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
- Support individuals to make positive choices that contribute to their wellbeing.
- Use appropriate coaching and positive communication strategies to encourage individuals to consider and work towards positive change.
- Provide a safe and supportive space for participants to talk and express their feelings and experiences.
- Adapt your approach according to individual needs and the nature of each session.
- Support positive relationships between family members and encourage healthy communication where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with Forest School Leaders and other members of the team.
- Identify and report safeguarding, wellbeing or other concerns promptly to the Forest School Leaders and/or appropriate member of the team.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in accordance with organisational policies and GDPR requirements.
- Contribute to the evaluation and development of wellbeing sessions where appropriate.
- Attend relevant training, meetings and professional development activities.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Directors.
Person Specification, Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Recognised coaching qualification
- Mental Health and/or Mental Health First Aid training
- Safeguarding and Child Protection training
- experience working with families and children
- experience with SEN and trauma informed approach
Desirable
- Degree or relevant qualification in a social sciences or humanities field, for example Sociology, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or Early Years
- Additional training relating to family support, children's wellbeing, trauma, emotional wellbeing or therapeutic approaches
Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent listening skills
- Ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately with a diverse range of people
- Ability to build positive and trusting relationships
- Ability to work with people across a range of ages, backgrounds and environments
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Ability to adapt communication and support according to individual needs
- Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
Experience
Essential
- Experience of using positive communication or coaching strategies to engage people in the process of change
- Experience of working with people with a range of individual experiences and providing a safe and supportive environment for them to talk
- Experience of working with families and/or young people
- Experience of supporting individuals to develop confidence, self-esteem or emotional wellbeing
- Experience of working collaboratively with other professionals or practitioners
- Understanding of confidentiality and GDPR
Desirable
- Experience of working with vulnerable children, young people or adults
- Experience of working with families who may be experiencing challenges or difficult circumstances
- Experience of working within a wellbeing, community, education, family support or similar setting
- Experience of working outdoors or an appreciation of the benefits of nature and outdoor environments for wellbeing
Personal qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Helpful, friendly and approachable
- Caring and compassionate
- Warm, patient and non-judgemental
- An excellent listener
- Empathetic and understanding
- Positive and encouraging
- Flexible and adaptable
- Confident working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Able to problem-solve calmly and appropriately in the moment
- Able to maintain professional boundaries while developing genuine and supportive relationships
- Someone with a good sense of humour
- Someone who has a sense of adventure and enjoys being outdoors
Additional requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own transport, with the ability to travel to a range of Forest School sites.
- Own suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for working in a range of weather conditions.
- Enhanced DBS clearance or willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
- Willingness to work outdoors throughout the year and participate in activities alongside the Forest School team.
Why join us?
This is a rewarding opportunity to join a passionate and supportive team and make a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and families.
You will have the opportunity to combine coaching, wellbeing support and connection with nature in a unique outdoor environment where people are given the time, space and encouragement to build confidence and develop positive relationships.
If you are a warm, compassionate and enthusiastic person who enjoys supporting others to recognise their strengths and believes in the positive impact of nature and meaningful relationships, we would love to hear from you.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £25.00-£40.00 per hour
Expected hours: 2.5 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chichester, West Sussex: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have a recognised coaching qualification ? Only candidates with this qualification will be considered
Work Location: In person
