Join #TeamCHSF

Family Support

Inclusion Worker

March 2025

Background

1 in 125 babies are born with heart disease.

Around 17,000 babies, children and adults are treated by
the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU) every year. The
LCHU is the specialist heart centre for all of Yorkshire, The
Humber, North East Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) provide tailored
support and essential resources, ensuring everyone
affected in our region has greater control and choices.

When families need us most, CHSF offer parent
accommodation close to the hospital and a dedicated
family support service during a child’s treatment. CHSF
also provide vital medical equipment and resources to
the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and 19 regional clinics,
including start-up NHS staff roles and specialist training
across the network.

CHSF are completely self-funded, so we can only do this
with the help of public supporters. Together, we are able
to nurture a wonderful community of heart families and
patients.

Empowered lives, because of you.

Title:

Salary:

Family Support Inclusion Worker

£27,000 - £29,000 (depending on experience)

Responsible to:

Head of Family Support

Hours:

Location:

Full time, 37.5 hrs per week (flexible working patterns considered)

CHSF Office with regular working from Leeds Children’s
Hospital and some home working (hybrid)

Job Summary

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund are committed to delivering inclusive support. The patients
and families we support reflect the rich diverse communities of the region. We are looking
to appoint a Family Support Worker with a specific remit for inclusivity. The aim of the role is
to provide tailored support with families to ensure we are accessible, visible and welcoming.
English may not be their first language and there may be specific support needs due to their
faith and cultural background. The Family Support Worker will deliver wrap-around, tailored
support which is accessible to the whole family unit.

Alongside the one-to-one work, the Family Support Worker will be responsible for the
coordination of our Cardiac Café events across the region, delivered from community venues
that are familiar, safe and accessible, and engaging a range of local services to continue to build
advice and support networks.

Role and Responsibilities

Support for families

1.

2.

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To provide holistic support for all patients and their families affected by congenital heart
disease, with an additional focus on those families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
To explore new and existing methods of communication which overcome language
barriers and will facilitate positive conversations and delivery of information to families.
To facilitate access to the parent accommodation, carry out regular checks and follow
complaints and compliments procedures.
To research new initiatives and create tailored information and resources for families prior
to and following a hospital admission to ensure we are delivering an inclusive service.
To work closely with the Family Support Team to ensure a smooth transition for pre
surgery admissions and offer a joined up coordinated service for all our families.
To support families to access specialist support by completing financial grant
applications and referrals to other agencies and services when needed.

7.

8.

To be responsible for coordinating inclusive peer support groups through our cardiac
café events across the region.
To deliver a package of well-being support through weekly well-being initiatives for in-
patients.

Relationship Development and Support

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2.

3.

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5.

To build trusting relationships with children and families under the Leeds Congenital
Heart Unit.
To build an inclusive support network for patients and families through partnerships with
internal and external charities and services.
Establish group sessions and events to proactively build new initiatives to meet the
needs of ethnically diverse communities.
To provide practical help and well-being support for patients and families, and signpost
to specialist agencies where required, particularly during times of stress.
To attend out-patient clinics which cover Leeds and Bradford patients to engage with
families and offer support where needed.

Safeguarding

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2.

To ensure that all Safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to and to ensure
appropriate safeguarding of children and families by reporting and recording concerns
both within the Charity and geographically relevant Hospital Trust.
Have a commitment to ongoing training to fulfil your role requirements and keep well
informed of current safeguarding policies and legislations.

Other

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To ensure that recording of work with children and families is maintained to a high
standard, accurate and up to date.
To work flexibly as required by the needs of the service and carry out any other
reasonable duties as required.
To prepare for and participate in monthly supervision sessions with your line manager.
To help promote CHSF fundraising opportunities, where appropriate and work with the
community fundraising team on new initiatives.
To support the Marketing Team by introducing them to families where appropriate and
providing case-studies to raise awareness of the service.
To provide other support as identified by your line manager and commensurate with
purpose of the role.

Personal Specification

Specification Criteria

Knowledge

Essential/
Desirable

Assessed in
application

Assessed in
interview

An awareness of the needs, hopes and wishes of culturally
diverse communities navigating healthcare systems.

Essential

Proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken
across the region in addition to English.

Desirable

Relevant childcare, education, social care or health
qualification to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, or considerable
relevant experience.

Essential

Knowledge of relevant and up-to-date children’s
legislation, particularly child protection and safeguarding.

Essential

Knowledge of GDPR legislation and of information
governance and confidentiality policies.

Essential

Experience

Working with children, young people and their families
within culturally and ethnically diverse communities.

Essential

Providing holistic support in health or social care settings. Essential

Working collaboratively with statutory services and across
the voluntary sector.

Essential

Running events and activities within the community.

Desirable

Skills

Strong communication, planning and problem-solving
skills.

Essential

Ability to build relationships with other specialist services
and establish referral pathways.

Desirable

Personal attributes and other requirements

An open, honest, reliable, non-judgemental approach.

Essential

Strong English language skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Ability to work hours in a flexible way, including attending
occasional CHSF events on a weekend.

Essential

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