Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend City Council is recruiting a Family Support Coordinator on a full‑time, two‑year fixed‑term contract to support the Family Centre Manager in the ongoing development and effective operation of three core Family Centres and five satellite sites across Southend. This pivotal role will provide leadership, coordination and oversight to ensure high‑quality, outcome‑focused support for young children and their families.
You will hold overall responsibility for the coordination and management of referrals and provide supervision and professional support to Family Centre Support Workers, ensuring that assessments, plans and interventions are timely, appropriate and aligned with the Family Centre Competency Framework. You will oversee case progression, provide guidance on next steps or closure, and ensure effective triage in line with the Early Help Framework and Southend Continuum of Need.
A key element of the role is establishing and maintaining effective multi‑agency partnerships across universal, targeted and statutory services to promote integrated and collaborative working. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and quality practice, while embedding safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, equality and data protection requirements across all service delivery. You will also ensure accurate record‑keeping, provide high‑quality management information and reports to the Family Centre Manager, and act as an advocate for children, young people and families to help shape the design and delivery of services, as well as deputising for the Family Centre Manager in her absence.
The role requires flexibility to work across the Family Centre network, with occasional evening and weekend working.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, recent experience of leading and managing a team, experience of providing a programme of care and play activities for children from birth to 5 years. Strong knowledge of child development from birth to five years, the Early Years Foundation Stage, and the importance of early intervention and early help is essential for this role. You will be confident in recognising additional or emerging needs and supporting families through effective multi‑agency working, with a sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, relevant legislation and guidance, and the Early Help Framework. You will demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
You will bring experience of working directly with families, the ability to engage sensitively around complex and challenging issues, and a commitment to equality, inclusion and anti‑discriminatory practice, including meeting the needs of children with SEND. It is crucial that you have excellent verbal and written communication, organisational and IT skills, alongside the ability to lead, motivate and support staff through supervision, feedback and positive role modelling.
Your application will not be considered if you do not have the following:
- Full and clean driving license and access to own car
- Educated to Level 4 or equivalent, with a recognised professional qualification and experience in early years education, social care, health or a related field, alongside a clear commitment to continuous professional development.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Southend-on-Sea city council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
