We’re looking for a full time Family Support Officer (FSO) to help us meet demand from families in the Chelmsford area.
Our new FSO will provide emotional, social, and practical support to families affected by childhood cancer in Chelmsford.
This role involves working directly with children diagnosed with cancer and their families to help them navigate the challenges associated with the illness, treatment, recovery and sadly, sometimes, end of life and bereavement.
We’re looking for someone who will use empathy and compassion to ensure that families receive the support they need to improve their quality of life during difficult times.
- £30,000 – £33,000
- 35 hours per week; flexible hours to be discussed
- South Essex-based
- Permanent
- 28 days holiday, including 8 Bank Holidays
- Pension
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support
- Provide Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and empathetic guidance to children and their families, helping them cope with the emotional impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Providing encouragement, support and referrals to professional counselling when needed. Navigating individuals’ needs, without judgement.
- Resource Coordination: Assist families in accessing financial and social resources by signposting and collating useful links. Provide information on available support services, including counselling, transportation, and financial aid.
- Advocacy: Act as an advocate for the family’s needs within the community, ensuring they receive the best possible support by us as a charity, as well as their local networks.
Case Management
- Build strong relationships: Be trustworthy and consistent in contact with families. Listen and personalise each family’s interactions. Document all interactions carefully and in line with GDPR guidance.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of the child’s treatment progress and the family’s overall well-being, identifying any additional needs that arise. Understanding when to offer help/support/suggestions of support.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions and services provided. Including documenting spending approvals and follow up communications.
Community Engagement
- Organise Support Groups: Facilitate support groups for families and children to share experiences and provide mutual support. Grouping like-minded families together when appropriate. These support groups/activities could be just parents, all children or just Gold children/just siblings.
- Volunteer Coordination: Work with volunteers to provide additional support services, such as respite care, companionship, and memory making.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Degree: Preferably (but not essential) in social work, psychology, counselling, or a related field
- Or at least a Level 3 qualification in advice and guidance, youth work, social care, health, education, counselling, community work or childcare
- Experience: At least 2 years’ experience in a supportive role, preferably within a healthcare, social care or non-profit setting. Experience working with children and families facing serious illnesses is highly desirable.
Skills and Attributes
- Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrable ability to provide emotional support with sensitivity and understanding.
- Communication and active listening Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with children, families, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
- Organisational Skills: Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Resourceful and proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of families.
- Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Understanding and experience of safeguarding, GDPR and use of CRM systems.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: Successful completion of an enhanced DBS.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as required to meet the needs of families. (Time off in lieu is provided)
- Driver’s Licence: Valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation.
Benefits:
- Pension (statutory workplace entitlement)
- Flexible working
- Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected] by Wednesday, 6th November.
Gold Geese is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age.
