Children, Young People and Families Officer

Job Description

JOB TITLE

Children, Young People and Families officer

Reports To:                            Head of Operations

Budget Responsibilities:         Project budget

Purpose of the job

To develop a programme of activities, interventions and support to help visually impaired children, young people and their immediate family members to be able to enjoy a range of experiences that improve their life opportunities. 

Description of the job activities

Key responsibilities

·         Support members aged from birth to 18 (and up to 25 for those with additional disabilities)  and their immediate family members

·         Plan and deliver a comprehensive timetable of educational, leisure and social outings and activities ensuring most have tactile/sensory experiences   

·         Keep members and their families up to date regarding benefits, services, information and advice relating to visual impairment

Activities / Tasks

·         Following consultation with families, plan and deliver a range of social and educational activities and outings each year to include sensory/tactile experiences, ensuring there is something appropriate for each age range.

·         Follow safeguarding children and safeguarding adults policies and procedures, including the identification and reporting of safeguarding concerns.

·         Keep members and their families up to date regarding benefits, services, information and advice relating to visual impairment

·         Work in partnership with the marketing and communications officer to create and update marketing materials and regular communications relating to the children’s and families service.

·         Process new member applications: add to database, send introductory letter, check subs received, send Information Guide plus additional leaflets/literature relating to their specific eye condition and any services/support networks deemed appropriate

·         Supervision of volunteers working within the service.

·         Create, implement and review event and activity risk assessments.

·         Plan and participate in activity breaks.

·         Support families who have children with short life expectancy.

·         Support the development of funding applications to trusts.

·         Where necessary, carry out home visits to families, with support from Visiting Officers, where appropriate.

·         Attend external meetings regarding health, education and housing to support children and their families, as necessary

·         Manage and coordinate the loan of Children’s Department’s equipment.

·         Produce and give presentations as required to local government agencies, schools, youth groups and potential funders.

·         Assist with ad-hoc projects such as charity events, including organising and attending.

·         To take on other duties commensurate with this post as directed/delegated by the Head of Operations.

Other

·         Be responsible for own continuing professional development, keeping up-to-date with best practice, policies and procedures

·         Promote the implementation of policies, with special focus on equal opportunities, child and adult safeguarding

·         Deal with all issues in a professional manner keeping confidences where appropriate and always being mindful of data protection implications. 

·         Be an effective representative for the charity and act at all times in a professional manner conducive to promoting a positive image of Berkshire Vision and represent the charity at events.

Job Characteristics

People

·         Supporting members aged from birth to 18 (and up to 25 for those with learning difficulties) and their immediate family members

·         Supervise volunteers at events or within the office

·         Work with government agencies and other organisations on special projects

·         Work with other departments within Berkshire Vision in respect of special projects

Working Environment

·         Work under office conditions with frequent and extensive use of a display screen 

·         Occasionally attend external events

·         Occasionally work evenings and weekends as required.

·         On occasions work away from home on mini-breaks or short holidays

·         Home visits as necessary.

Autonomy

·         Plan and arrange own work to meet own set of objectives based upon feedback from families

·         Have autonomy for Department’s Budget.

Direction

·         Work is self-checked

·         Work is proactive based on needs of members with little or no supervision.

Complexity

·         Majority of work is repetitive with occasional other activities

 Internal and external relationships

·         Regular liaison with government agencies, external 3rd parties, suppliers and funding providers.

·         Failure to represent the organisation appropriately could lead to lack of funding

Pressure of Work

·         Work requires concentration due to the potential impact on members.

The above is a general description of the work to be carried out and not an exhaustive list.  The role holder is also required to perform all reasonably assigned duties