Group leader role

This is a sample job description that you can adapt for your own organisation

Job title

Sibling Group Leader

Purpose of job

To run support groups for siblings who have a disabled brother or sister

Sibling group aims

• Fun: giving siblings the opportunity to enjoy themselves and relax
• Relieve sibling isolation
• Acknowledge siblings' unique experiences and feelings
• Model coping strategies for siblings to use
• Enhance siblings knowledge of their brother or sister disability 

Values base

• Siblings need to be able to discuss their feelings and emotions in relation to their situations, in a setting where they will be understood, respected and supported
• The siblings know most about their own situation
• Children have a right to be listened to
• Each member has something valuable to contribute to the group
• Giving of yourself is important
• Mistakes are for learning from

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and facilitate a series of group sessions and reunions for siblings who have a disabled brother or sister
2. Ensure that within the sessions, siblings have the opportunity to explore and begin to understand their feelings and experiences about having a disabled brother or sister.
3. Provide effective team leadership during sessions.
4. Facilitate weekly review and planning meetings.    

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Receive and prioritise referrals
2. Carry out home visits to families to complete relevant documentation.
3. Co-ordinate session delivery including transport arrangements.
4. Maintain group work resources within agreed budgets.
5. Assist the Line Manager with the recruitment and induction of Sibling Group Support Workers.
6. Supervise the Sibling Group Support Workers. 
7. Provide information to families and other individuals.
8. Develop and maintain publicity and marketing information.
9. Ensure that the delivery of the service is carried out collaboratively, contributing to maintaining effective working partnerships with colleagues.
10. Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
11. Work flexible and unsociable hours, including evenings, as required.
12. Attend and participate in regular supervision with the Line Manager
13. Adhere to all service policies and procedures and the value base for the sibling project
14. Monitor and maintain a healthy, safe and secure working environment
15. Undertake relevant training and continuous personnel development.

Person specification

Values

Shares the value base above

Experience

Groupwork with young people

Leading discussion activities with young people

Knowledge

Has an understanding of how groups work

Has knowledge of child development

Has knowledge of siblings' needs

Has knowledge of child protection/safeguarding children procedures

Skills

Can lead a team of Sibling Group Support Workers to run a Sibling Group

Can communicate with parents/carers, children and professionals

Can provide a child-centred environment and is sensitive to the needs of individual children.

Can use judgment, common sense & initiative

Can recognise when a child needs support beyond the group and refer to appropriate services

Can plan sessions for siblings

Can lead and adapt games, activities, arts and crafts that are age appropriate

Can manage the budget

Can build relationships with funders/service providers

Can record information accurately and produce written session and other relevant reports.

Can use Word and email competently

Qualifications

Any relevant qualification will be an advantage eg Youth worker, Playcare, Play therapy, Counselling, Social Work, teaching