Children & Family Worker

Join 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 West Yorkshire in members’ homes and community settings the Children & Family worker (CFW) will build trusted relationships with children and young people who are victim/survivors of domestic abuse alongside their parent/ care giver. The role is managed by the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and is supported by other colleagues at Leeds GATE including Advocates, Mental Health workers and Youth workers to provide holistic support to the Children & YP and the whole family.

Working alongside the IDVA you will build your relationships with the families to gain 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 CFW will provide direct support to C&YP and their families, working with those most in need, building trust, explaining the role and offer and you will develop practical goals with the family and work toward them together. Through holistic improvements the whole family will directly benefit. Once trust is established, you will offer opportunities for therapeutic and emotional support for children e.g. play and creative arts, which will be non-directive and child centred focused. You will promote self-esteem and healthy relationships and staying safe.

You will also work to increase the availability of protective factors and support networks

through encouraging and supporting participation in education and activities. This will include working with our existing youth provision to develop and deliver session plan around healthy relationships, honour-based violence and safety planning to embed knowledge and skills within our young people.

The role will be underpinned by Leeds GATE’s values including: (list two most relevant)

Leeds GATE doesn’t make promises that can’t be kept

Leeds GATE helps people to help themselves