EMAIL office@homestarteemd.org.uk for an application pack or visit https://homestarteemd.org.uk/groupfacilitator/
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Group Facilitator to join our small friendly team, to run and help develop our group offer and build links with referrers.
Home-Start Exeter, East and Mid Devon has been supporting local families for almost 40 years, and our group projects have been a lifeline to many parents. Our groups include Mothers in Mind, supporting mothers in the perinatal period who are struggling with their mental health, our Family Wellbeing Group for families with preschool aged children, and our new group Bumps and Babes. Groups currently run in Exeter and East Devon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings but may be subject to change.
A knowledge of mental health is essential, as is an understanding of the needs of families with young children and babies.
The position is part time (15hrs a week). Salary is £11,234 per annum (FTE £ 27,711 per annum). Use of own car is necessary.
The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please call 01395 542298.
Applications must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday 23rd June 2025.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Principle purposes of the job
- To facilitate weekly support groups including a group for women with their babies in the perinatal stage, Family Group with preschool children and Bumps and Babes Group, in Exeter and East Devon.
- Undertaking work as delegated by the Senior Coordinator to support the strategic management, development and future funding of group support.
- To build and maintain strong links with statutory perinatal services, mental health services, midwives and health visitors in order to promote the groups and maximise referrals to the projects.
- To maintain high standards of practice in supporting families affected by poor perinatal mental health within the Home-Start model, and provide a professional, safe and friendly environment for the group members.
- Meet the requirements and needs of those attending the groups by maintaining accurate records, fulfilling monitoring requirements and actively seeking feedback.
- To ensure equality of opportunity, fairness and diversity in all aspects of the scheme’s work.
- Implement good safeguarding practice in all areas of work.
Main Responsibilities
Support for families
- To administrate the preparation of groups, including rooms and booking activities.
- Receive group referrals and liaise with the Senior Coordinator to assess the needs of families, including home visits to meet mothers attending our peri-natal group.
- Planning, running and evaluating group sessions and developing our group support programme alongside colleagues.
- To maintain accurate records and update the scheme’s Charitylog cloud-based database with a good level of computer literacy.
- Supporting peer support networks through the group.
- Introducing families to appropriate support outside of the group settings when necessary.
- Carrying out risk assessments as required particularly where activities outside of the group environment are arranged.
- To be vigilant about the upkeep of equipment ensuring good standards of safety and hygiene are followed.
- To safeguard and promote children’s welfare. To respond, record and report appropriately any safeguarding concerns.
- To take responsibility for the strict monitoring of all health and safety procedures within the group setting, and to work within the policies of health and safety set down by the scheme.
Managing Volunteers.
- Provide support, training and supervision for volunteers assisting at groups.
Supporting the work of the scheme
- Supporting the implementation and review of relevant Home-Start policies and procedures.
- Complying with the scheme’s administration, monitoring and financial systems.
- Promoting the work of the scheme when necessary.
- Attending staff training, support and supervision meetings, the AGM and any other meetings on the organisation’s behalf, as required.
- Contributing to and supporting the development of the Home-Start network locally, regionally and nationally.
Working in Partnership
- Ensuring appropriate liaison with referrers and other professionals
- Networking appropriately within the community.
The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £11,234.00 per year
Expected hours: 15 per week
Experience:
- group work/mental health: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 22/06/2025