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Job description

To work as a member of the Health and Wellbeing Team carrying out a range of duties to support parents and children’s health and wellbeing during pregnancy and the early years (0-3) with particular emphasis on the antenatal and postnatal period. The role contributes to our Baby Friendly accredited practice and supports the principles of the First 1001 Days, promoting positive early relationships and infant wellbeing. Duties will include the preparation and delivery of programmes and workshops, facilitating group activity, and carrying out home visits. This post will require one evening per week and occasional weekend work to support all parents/children/caregivers. Flexible working patterns are available.

Responsibilities

• To plan creative and effective ways to promote Sure Start to increase new and existing parental participation, particularly within antenatal and postnatal services.
• To generate ideas, plan, help develop, set up and facilitate antenatal and postnatal groups, programmes, workshops and events for families e.g. antenatal classes, early post-natal groups, infant feeding support, child health and wellbeing sessions.
• Participate in preparing and organising antenatal, postnatal and health promotion resources for Sure Start activity and where appropriate, be involved in the evaluation of these activities.
• To arrange home visits with parents to register and provide support around pregnancy, early parenting, infant wellbeing and early parent-infant attachment.
• To build relationships with existing parents and encouraging them to become more involved in Sure Start services.
• To review, on an ongoing basis, the range of needs families require and communicate these to the Line Manager.
• To maintain accurate records through clear, concise and timely documentation to attain agreed targets.
• To refer families to other Sure Start/Voluntary/Statutory services where appropriate.
• To contribute to evaluation reports and other Sure Start reports as required.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality at all times.
• To be familiar with and operate within Child Protection Procedures.
• To promote Sure Start services as and when required.
• To adhere to Sure Start policies and procedures, including those relating to Unicef Baby Friendly standards.
• Any other duties as required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• NVQ Level II in Child Care Learning and Development, Health and Social Care or equivalent relevant qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grades A-C or Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy.
• Evidence of good written and spoken communication skills.
• IT skills with the ability to use Microsoft office packages.
• Access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.
• Two years’ experience working with children under four years old and/or 2 years’ experience working with families.

Desirable Skills

• One year's experience facilitating groups on early years, or health-related topics e.g. Walking, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, Antenatal or Postnatal groups.
• Experience supporting parents during pregnancy or with babies and infants under one year.
• Knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of Sure Start, including the importance of the First 1001 Days and Unicef Baby Friendly standards.

Further Information

Salary: £25,583 - £25,989 per annum, pro rata