Job title and organisation: Family Engagement and Support Worker - Leeds Mencap
Salary: £26,774 pro rata
Hours: 30 hours a week, all year round. There can be flexibility around the hours for the right candidate. Hours of work require flexibility as there will be some evening working (until 8.30pm).
Contract: Permanent, subject to funding
Location: The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU.
Closing Date and Time: Monday 17 November at 9 AM
REPORTING TO: Family Services Manager
Annual Leave: 28 days per year plus public holidays. Holiday entitlement is calculated pro rata for part time contracts.
The purpose of the role:
To provide support, information, advice and guidance to families of children with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs, as well as professionals in need of guidance. Delivering Leeds Mencap’s EmpowerMe programme, our Family Engagement and Support Workers will be at the frontline of services designed to meet diverse and multiple areas of need, while working collaboratively with families and teams across the organisation.
To deliver workshops designed to support families of a child with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs and to facilitate opportunities for parents and carers to come together to build support networks.
To support with the running of our online and physical resources, including our Toy Library.
To work together to reach communities/families that otherwise might not be accessing the support that they need.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Family Support:
- To provide 1:1 information, support, advice and guidance (including signposting) to parents/carers and professionals working with families who have a child with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs based on incoming referrals and enquiries.
- To maintain accurate records and contribute to data collection and reporting.
- To work collaboratively as part of a team, working towards finding the best options and positive outcomes for families.
- To deliver workshops aimed at providing families with skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to confidently apply different ways of supporting their child.
- To contribute to our bank of digital resources aimed at providing accessible information and guidance to parents/carers and professionals.
- To support parents/carers to feel empowered to take their newly acquired knowledge and skills into their own networks and communities to support their peers.
Family Engagement:
- To participate in external events and meetings aimed at sharing awareness of Leeds Mencap services and engaging with other organisations working with the Leeds SEND community and/or different community groups.
- To support with activities aimed at engaging families and working alongside professionals across the city to ensure that barriers to accessing support for families with a child with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs are significantly reduced.
- To facilitate peer networking opportunities for parents and carers who have a child with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs, including our SEND stay & play sessions for children with SEND age 0-5.
Other:
- To contribute to the development of services delivered at Leeds Mencap.
- To be an advocate for all those accessing our services.
- To contribute to the evaluation of all Family Services activity.
- To support all service areas of Leeds Mencap when required.
- To maintain the highest standards with regards to safeguarding.
- To contribute to marketing and communications relating to Leeds Mencap.
- Any other duties as reasonably required.
Staff and Team Development:
- Complete a staff induction programme.
- Attend and positively contribute to staff meetings.
- Attend relevant training courses.
Leeds Mencap is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk of harm. We expect all staff and volunteers to fully share and demonstrate this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of people in Leeds and welcome applications from all communities.
Person Specification for Family Engagement and Support Worker
Criteria
Experience
- Experience of working with children/young people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs, parents, carers and/or families in either a paid or voluntary capacity (E)
- Experience of providing family support( E)
- Experience of delivering training and/or workshops (D)
- Experience of using a range of IT applications (E)
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (E)
- Strong observation and listening skills (E)
- Strong IT skills, including accurate record keeping (E)
- Excellent planning and organisational skills including the ability to prioritise own workload (E)
- The ability to adapt professional approaches when working with children, young people, adults, parents, carers and professionals (E)
Knowledge and Qualifications
- An understanding of local and national legislation, policy and guidance in relation to children, young people and their families (D)
- Awareness and understanding of Safeguarding in relation to working with children, young people, adults and families (E)
- Knowledge of local and national services working to support families of children aged 0-25 with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs (D)
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of methods and models of working to support children/young people/families (E)
- Knowledge and understanding of group work processes and the ability to plan sessions (D)
- Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs, their families and carers (E)
- A strong understanding of the importance of working collaboratively with other agencies/professionals to ensure positive outcomes for children, young people and families (E)
- Awareness and understanding of diversity and equal opportunities (E)
- Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Leeds Mencap (E)
- Understanding the importance of data protection And confidentiality (E)
Other
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes (D)
- An understanding of the third sector and partnership working (D)
In order to fulfil the requirements of the post, applicants must meet the following criteria. Candidates will only be short listed for interview if they can demonstrate in their application that they can, or have the potential, to meet these criteria (essential criteria are marked (E) and desirable criteria are marked (D)).
To apply please download application pack from our website Join our team - Learning Disability Charity - Leeds Mencap or contact administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk.
Please note we do not accept CVs.
For more information please contact Louise Maciag on 0113 235 1331 or e-mail louise.maciag@leedsmencap.org.uk
We would also ask you to complete our Equality and Diversity monitoring form. This form is for monitoring purposes only and will not be treated as part of your application.
Please send completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: Monday 17th November 2025 at 9.00am
Shortlisting: Tuesday 18th to 20th November 2025
Interview date: week commencing Monday 24th November 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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