Families First Project Support Officer

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To support the delivery of the Families First Partnership Programme (FFP) across Dudley Children's Services, helping to implement national reforms that improve outcomes for children, young people and families through earlier intervention, stronger partnership working and integrated service delivery.

The postholder will work closely with Programme Leads, Managers and partners to coordinate projects, monitor progress, manage governance processes and support transformational activity across the Families First Programme. The role requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills, alongside a commitment to improving services for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Programme Support

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of Families First Partnership Programme workstreams.
  
• Assist Programme Leads and Managers in implementing programme objectives and priorities.
  
• Manage allocated project tasks and work packages.
  
• Monitor project milestones, actions and timescales.
  
• Ensure projects remain on track and support delivery against agreed objectives.
  
• Maintain project plans, action logs and programme documentation.
  

Programme Monitoring & Reporting

• Track programme performance, risks, issues and dependencies.
  
• Produce project updates, reports and performance information.
  
• Prepare reports and briefings for programme boards, senior leaders and stakeholders.
  
• Analyse information and present findings clearly to support decision-making.
  
• Monitor progress and escalate concerns where necessary.
  

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with:
  
  • Children's Services
    
  • Health Partners
    
  • Police
    
  • Education Providers
    
  • Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations
    
  • Other Multi-Agency Partners
    
• Support stakeholder engagement activities and partnership meetings.
  
• Develop positive working relationships across the wider partnership network.
  
• Facilitate workshops, meetings and collaborative working sessions.
  

Change Management & Service Improvement

• Support transformational change initiatives across the Families First Programme.
  
• Assist with implementation of:
  
  • Family Help
    
  • Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
    
  • Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPT)
    
  • Other Children’s Services Improvement Projects
    
• Promote continuous improvement and best practice approaches.
  
• Support communication and engagement activities linked to service changes.
  

Governance & Administration

• Maintain project governance documentation.
  
• Support programme boards and governance arrangements.
  
• Coordinate meeting arrangements, agendas and action tracking.
  
• Ensure project records are accurate, organised and up to date.
  
• Support compliance with programme management methodologies and standards.
  

Advisory & Support Functions

• Provide advice and practical support to managers and project teams.
  
• Assist with problem-solving and project delivery challenges.
  
• Support evidence gathering and evaluation activities.
  
• Contribute to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience supporting or managing projects, programmes or service improvement initiatives.
  
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  
• Experience coordinating meetings, workshops and project activities.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
  
• Experience maintaining project documentation and reporting processes.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to analyse, interpret and present information clearly.
  
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience within:
  
  • Local Government
    
  • Children's Services
    
  • Health Services
    
  • Education
    
  • Multi-Agency Partnerships
    
• Knowledge of:
  
  • Early Help
    
  • Family Support Services
    
  • Safeguarding
    
  • Children's Services Reform
    
  • Public Sector Transformation Programmes
    
• Experience supporting programme boards and governance structures.
  
• Project Management qualification or training.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Dudley (Hybrid Working)
  
• Hours Per Week: TBC
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments