Health & Wellbeing Assistant

JOB PURPOSE 

To work in a solution focused, strengths-based approach across our Health, Wellbeing and community facing projects.

· In partnership local service providers, identify and provide co-ordinated and appropriate support to develop and maintain healthier lifestyle choices for Luton & Bedfordshire families, children, young people and adults.

· To work in consultation with service users including families, children, young people and adults to co-produce action plans to support behaviour change and progress against identified their needs.

· To support existing and new Health and Community projects.

· Support the ethos, aims and vision of Luton Town FC Community Trust.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Work within the context of Luton Town FC Community Trust’s strategy to promote, develop facilitate and deliver, where appropriate, learning activities for families, children, young people and adults that support healthier lifestyle choices and to encourage adult learning within the community and promote the participation of families, where appropriate.

Work with the Health and Wellbeing Lead and Programme Manager for Health and Community and other agencies to identify, develop and implement strategies to engage and support families so that the Trust effectively meets the needs of all children, young people and their families.

Undertake structured assessment of the needs of families, through school-based meetings and home visiting, to identify resources and support needed. This will entail working with individuals and families and making referrals to other agencies with whom co-working arrangements may be appropriate, e.g. Family Hubs, Schools, Public Health, GP’s, Children and Family Services, Education Welfare, CAMHS and Health Visitors.

Develop and support the implementation of well-structured and progressive behaviour change programmes ensuring a high quality, enjoyable experience centred around the needs of the participants.

To work closely with parents and families and external agencies such as social care, to ensure the safety and well-being of children and adults to promote safeguarding practices and awareness undertaking referrals as necessary.

Engage in Continuous Professional Development to further knowledge, skills and good working practice.

Maintain comprehensive records, including statistical and research based data on agreed activities, where appropriate, and regularly and punctually submit any such data, as required.

To work in close partnership with local service providers and to represent & promote Family Support as required in parents' meetings, staff meetings, conferences, consultations, giving information, guidance and advice.

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge:

Essentials;

• Demonstrable experience of effectively engaging parents/carers in working with their children to support their learning & development, both in groups & on an individual basis with regards to healthier lifestyle choices.
• Experience of working with children or families gained in a multi-cultural context.
• Some experience of working within a multi-agency or multi-discipline setting.
• Experience of working with children with SEND, disabilities or additional needs.

• Able to communicate supportively, tactfully and objectively with parents/carers & children and adults to engage them in supporting learning & development opportunities.

• Able to undertake basic assessments of the social/care/physical/personal and educational needs of children with their families to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.
• Able to work within policy guidelines and able to exercise judgement as to when to share information & when referrals to external agencies are necessary.
• Able to manage periods of conflicting work demands & to maintain accurate records that can be used to inform practice.
• Able to work on own initiative with minimum of supervision in co- ordinating & managing a programme of activities for adults, children and their families.
• Able to work in conjunction with others in the team to develop & share good practice.
• Able to develop and maintain constructive relationships and communications with a range of agencies, and external service providers.
• Able to communicate competently both verbally and in written English with all stakeholders.
• Able to demonstrate appropriate motivation to work with adults, children and their families.
• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours.
• Able to recognise discrimination and act within the policies and procedures of the Trust and the funding agencies.
• Possess an understanding and / or experience of cultural and religious issues, which may impact upon adults, children and their families with regards to healthier lifestyle choices and education.

Specialist Knowledge

• Some understanding of child development and of how children and adults learn. Knowledge and understanding of the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004 & 2006, Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2023, SEND code of practice and child protection procedures including understanding the effects of deprivation and abuse.

Education & Training

• Minimum of five GCSEs, including English and Mathematics (Grades 9-4 or A to C).

• A minimum of a level 3 qualification in childcare, social work, social care, counselling, youth work or education.

Desirables

• A CIMPSA approved Level 2 in Gym Instructing. 
• A CIMPSA approved Level 3 in Personal Training. 
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience of working with families and Stay and Play sessions.
• Able to communicate in one or more languages such as Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Polish and Romanian.

Other Requirements

• Flexible approach to working across seven days.
• Willingness to work outside office hours. 
• Staffing support for other Community Trust projects and match day activations. 
• Ability to travel to sites throughout Bedfordshire (daily).

Additional Information

• This is a fixed term contract.
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT 

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. The individual must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.