Job Title:
Family Support Worker
Salary:
Starting at £30,000
Employer:
The Bradley Lowery Foundation
Location:
Family Hub, Great North Children's Hospital (RVI), Newcastle upon Tyne
Reporting To:
Bradley Lowery Foundation CEO
Operationally Accountable To:
Family Hub and Complex Care Lead, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contract Type:
1 year fixed term contract with a view to make permanent
Job Purpose
The Bradley Lowery Foundation is committed to supporting babies, children, young people and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
The Family Support Worker will be employed by the Bradley Lowery Foundation and based within the Family Hub at the Great North Children's Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). The post holder will work closely alongside Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff and will be expected to adhere to all relevant NHS policies, procedures, safeguarding requirements and professional standards whilst undertaking their duties.
The role will provide practical, emotional and social support to families accessing services within the Great North Children's Hospital. The successful candidate will act as an advocate for families, helping them navigate hospital services, access support networks and reduce the pressures associated with caring for a seriously ill child.
The post holder will work under the guidance of NHS clinical and family support teams whilst maintaining the values and mission of the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Key Responsibilities
Family Support
- Provide compassionate emotional and practical support to babies, children, young people and their families.
- Build positive relationships with families during hospital admissions, outpatient appointments and periods of ongoing treatment.
- Offer a listening ear and emotional reassurance during difficult circumstances.
- Support families experiencing periods of crisis, stress, uncertainty or bereavement.
- Help families access community services, charitable support and statutory services where appropriate.
- Assist families with practical issues such as accommodation, transport, financial hardship and welfare support.
Advocacy
- Act as an advocate for families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are understood.
- Support communication between families and healthcare professionals where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with NHS staff, social care teams and external agencies.
Safeguarding
- Maintain a thorough understanding of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults procedures.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately in accordance with NHS Trust and Bradley Lowery Foundation policies.
- Ensure all safeguarding responsibilities are fulfilled in line with statutory requirements.
Care Coordination
- Support families through the Early Help process where appropriate.
- Contribute to discharge planning and ongoing family support arrangements.
- Signpost families to relevant services and organisations.
- Maintain accurate records of interventions and support provided.
Education and Information
- Support parent and family education initiatives delivered through the Family Hub.
- Provide information regarding available support services and resources.
- Promote wellbeing and healthy lifestyle initiatives using a Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach.
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff and external partner organisations.
- Develop positive working relationships with ward teams, specialist nurses, social workers, therapists and voluntary sector organisations.
- Represent the Bradley Lowery Foundation professionally at all times.
Data and Reporting
- Maintain accurate, confidential and timely records.
- Collect outcome data and statistics to demonstrate impact and support future service development.
- Contribute to service evaluations, audits and reporting requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Foundation Degree, NVQ Level 4 in a relevant subject or NVQ Level 3 with significant experience and additional specialist training.
- Experience working with babies, children, young people and families.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to work independently and manage a caseload.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong IT skills.
- Ability to travel as required.
Desirable
- Experience within hospital, healthcare, family support or early help settings.
- Experience supporting families of children with complex health needs or life-limiting conditions.
- Knowledge of welfare rights, benefits and practical family support services.
- Experience working within multi-agency teams.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Compassionate and empathetic.
- Approachable and supportive.
- Resilient and emotionally intelligent.
- Professional and trustworthy.
- Organised and proactive.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and families.
Governance
Whilst employed by the Bradley Lowery Foundation, the post holder will be required to:
- Comply with all Bradley Lowery Foundation policies and procedures.
- Adhere to Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operational, safeguarding, confidentiality, infection control and health and safety policies whilst working within NHS premises.
- Participate in all mandatory NHS and Foundation training requirements.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
- Work in accordance with GDPR and information governance standards.
Our Mission
The Bradley Lowery Foundation exists to support seriously ill children and their families by reducing stress, creating memories and providing practical and emotional support when it is needed most.
This role is central to ensuring families accessing care at the Great North Children's Hospital receive compassionate support throughout their journey.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
