Make a difference to the lives of parents and family members who look after children with additional needs.
No day is the same when supporting Carers.
Parent Carers share many of the rewards and challenges of caring that any other Carer would experience, but caring for a child with additional needs comes with its own unique experiences. We are looking for someone with some understanding of the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and what this can mean for their parents and guardians.
You will be a confident communicator, able to work effectively with both parents and professionals. Some knowledge and experience of Children’s Services and working with schools in North East Lincolnshire will give any candidate a distinct advantage.
You will be a caring and compassionate team player with a practical and solution focused approach to supporting people. You will recognise the importance of Carers accessing information, advice and support to help them manage their caring role.
The post holder will provide efficient and effective support to Parent Carers. You will be determined and resilient when supporting and enabling Carers to work with relevant organisations, and navigate their caring role.
You will have a part to play in supporting all Carers, but you will play a key role in ensuring Parent Carers are able to continue caring for their children with additional needs safely and confidently.
Duties and responsibilities:
Support Carers to identify their needs. You will work with Parent Carers to explore their strengths and resources from within their families, networks and communities.
Enable and empower Parent Carers to access appropriate services from the Carers’ Support Service and their local community. You will ensure Carers feel supported and help them to access support to meet their needs.
Key workers provide time limited support when Carers have specific challenges relating to their caring role, so where there is a need, you will add to the case load of Parent Carers you keep in regular contact with.
Work with Parent Carers and support them to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their child. You will develop an understanding of what the Carers’ Support Service can provide a Parent Carer and what is the responsibility of other professionals and services.
Support Parent Carers to build their resilience by providing quality information, advice, guidance and support.
Support Carers to apply for individual Carer grants that support them with their caring role
Provide information and support via telephone, face to face and in groups. You will enable Parent Carers to take control of their lives and support them to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and those they care for.
Operate within the principles of empowerment and community development whereby all Carers will be supported to become involved wherever possible, in the development and delivery of plans and services.
Play a key role in raising awareness and supporting the inclusion of Carers across North East Lincolnshire by taking part in community outreach opportunities.
Develop a peer support offer for Parent Carers and work with the training team to facilitate and make training opportunities available to Parent Carers.
Act on behalf of Carers where necessary by making telephone calls, writing letters and attending meetings in order for them to access the appropriate services and support.
Support Carers to navigate social care systems and access community resources in the right way for them at the right time.
Work with colleagues to promote support services and signpost appropriately both internally and externally.
Engage with, make contacts and build good working relationships with schools, children’s centres and children and family services.
Organise and deliver Carer Awareness training, talk to teams and ensure information and displays are kept up-to-date as part of community outreach.
Actively find out about services and support available to Carers.
Share information with Carers and colleagues and keep information up to date.
Support the team to ensure the effective support of Carers.
Be involved in the planning and implementation of activities for Carers Week and Carers Rights Day.
Actively engage in the development of the charity and highlight any development opportunities by making the management team aware.
To adhere to and consistently follow all policies and procedures.
Undertake any other duties as required.