Family Support Worker – Bradford

This candidate will be joining a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) is an established and award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile.  We are recognised as being innovative, brave and creative.  Our overall aim is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies and Travellers through addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. We run a number of a community facing and strategic projects to achieve our aims including advocacy, community development and youth work. Those who access our services and activities are members of Leeds GATE.    

Working across the Bradford District in members’ homes and community settings the Family Support worker will work alongside families to build their skills and confidence to tackle a range of support issues including accommodation, health, education and other welfare and social issues.  The role is managed by the Leeds GATE Bradford Team Leader and is supported by other internal colleagues at including Advocates, Mental Health workers and Youth workers as well as some key Early help partners in family hubs, to provide holistic support to the whole family. 

As a Family support worker (FSW) you will play a key role in our organisation, building trusted relationships with our families in Bradford. You will deliver outreach and plan activities and sessions with our members to support them to achieve their goals and aspirations, with the aim of improving health, homes, education and inclusion for the Gypsy & Traveller community in the district. A team player you will communicate proactively with your team and build strong relationships with your line manager, members, staff and partners to provide a holistic package of support for the families you work with. You will listen to and identify members issues and concerns, bringing a solution focused approach to the work. 

Working alongside the Bradford team, you will build your relationships with the families by gaining an understanding of people’s strengths, interests and hobbies, whilst also building up knowledge of the support needs, barriers and issues faced by Gypsies and Travellers.  The FSW will provide direct support to families, working with those most in need, explaining the role and the Family support offer. You will develop practical goals with the family and work toward them together and work to increase the availability of protective factors and support networks through encouraging and supporting participation in education and activities which will bring about holistic improvements the whole family will directly benefit from.