Group support worker role

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

Job title

Sibling Group Support Worker

Purpose of job

To assist the Sibling Group Leader in running support groups for siblings of disabled children

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. Assist with the planning and provision of a series of structured group sessions and reunions to siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability.
2. Assist the Sibling Group Leader to plan, deliver and review specific activities for siblings, during the sessions, which enable and encourage them to discuss, understand and explore their feelings and experiences about having a disabled brother or sister.
3. Attend weekly review and planning meetings.    

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Carry out home visits to families to complete relevant documentation, if requested.
2. Participate in planning for sessions, including shopping for, or collection of, materials as needed.
3. Participate in the provision of sessions, including leading some of the activities, as agreed with the Sibling Group Leader
4. Assist with transporting children to and from the group when requested
5. Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
6. Work flexible and unsociable hours, including evenings, as required.
7. Adhere to all service policies and procedures and the value base for the sibling project
8. Monitor and maintain a healthy, safe and secure working environment
9. Undertake relevant training and continuous personal development.

Person specification

Values

Shares the value base above

Experience
Groupwork with young people

Participation in discussion activities

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 work as part of a team to provide a Sibling Group

Can communicate with parents/carers, children and professionals

Can provide a child centred environment and sensitivity to the needs of individual children.

Can use judgment, common sense & initiative.

Can plan, provide, and adapt activities for siblings.

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

Qualifications

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