Project worker

Hurdle is run by Dudley Lodge, a UK registered non-profit organisation established in 1895 that specialises in safeguarding children. We launched Hurdle in 2020 as a voluntary, early prevention family support service. Since then, we have been committed to improving the lives of families by working with them to create lasting, positive change.

Our mission is to support families to stay strong and independent, prevent crises and reduce the need for statutory services, helping more children and parents remain safely together wherever possible.

We listen with empathy and without judgment, building strong, trusting relationships to find real solutions together. We advocate for families, champion their voices and influence policies and practices to deliver the best outcomes.

Hurdle is built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and working together:

Relationships built on trust and respect: We do not judge. We empower parents to have choice and control over their own life.

Empathy and compassion for what parents have been through: We take time to understand parents’ past experiences. We see parents as experts in their own life. Everyone has the capacity to change: We believe everyone can change. We are aspirational about parents achieving their goals. Working in Partnership: We communicate regularly and promote open and honest conversations. We take every opportunity to hear parent’s views and act on their feedback. Always believing in better: We aim to reach as many families as we can. We continually strive to improve.

Purpose of the Role

As a Hurdle Project Worker, you will provide holistic, trauma-informed, relationship-based support to improve the lives of families and reduce the number of children entering care.

This includes:

• Family Support for parents who have experienced, or are at risk of, recurrent care proceedings.
• Parental Advocacy for parents whose children are subject to the child protection process, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are understood and they can participate fully in decision-making.

By working in partnership with families, professionals and community resources, you will build trust, reduce isolation and empower parents to achieve their goals, strengthen relationships and create safer futures for themselves and their children.

1.Family Support

• Build trauma-informed, trusting relationships with parents based on respect and empathy.
• Develop support plans identifying parental goals and desired outcomes.
• Deliver tailored, parent-led support through face-to-face, virtual and telephone contact.
• Provide practical and emotional support to parents experiencing or at risk of recurrent care proceedings, including child removal, farewell contacts and Final Care Orders.
• Support expectant parents where there is a risk of baby removal at birth, helping them address child protection concerns, understand processes and prepare for their baby's arrival to improve the likelihood of staying safely together.
• Help parents develop skills and confidence in parenting, child development, relationships, budgeting, benefits, housing, employment and daily living.
• Facilitate groups promoting parenting, safeguarding, resilience and personal development, including domestic abuse programmes.
• Encourage safe, nurturing home environments and provide practical help with signposting, benefits and community grants.

2. Parental Advocacy

• Ensure parents understand child protection processes and receive clear, timely information.
• Help parents express their views and wishes, understand their rights and make informed choices.
• Support collaborative relationships between parents and professionals.
• Provide face-to-face advocacy at Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, alongside online, text and telephone support for other meetings as needed.
• Accompany parents at conferences and meetings, helping them understand discussions and decisions and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Build parents' confidence and active participation in child protection processes, promoting respectful partnership working with professionals.

3. Safeguarding

• Prioritise the safety and welfare of children and families.
• Undertake ongoing risk assessments and take appropriate action to address safeguarding concerns.
• Support parents to develop and implement safety plans, including around domestic abuse and suicidal ideation.
• Follow Dudley Lodge and Hurdle safeguarding policies, procedures and relevant legislation and guidance.

4. Collaborative Working

• Work closely with the Head of Support Services, Service Leads, colleagues, volunteers and partner agencies to deliver coordinated, high-quality support.
• Represent parents' voices in multi-agency meetings and professional forums.
• Support student and volunteer involvement where appropriate.
• Maintain professional boundaries and positively represent Hurdle and Dudley Lodge.

5. Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of support, progress and outcomes.
• Monitor and report against grant and contract requirements.
• Gather family and stakeholder feedback to inform service improvements.
• Work with the leadership team to identify and implement improvements that enhance service quality and impact.
• Maintain high professional standards and effective collaborative working.

6. Service Responsibilities

• Work flexibly to meet family needs, including some evenings and occasional weekends.
• Travel regularly to family homes and community venues across Coventry and Warwickshire, within a 30-mile radius.
• Deliver support through home and community visits, telephone and virtual contact.
• Participate in training, supervision and reflective practice.
• Promote equality, diversity and anti-oppressive practice.
• Contribute to Hurdle's communications, fundraising and resource development as required.
• Although primarily focused on advocacy and family support, contribute to wider Hurdle projects supporting our mission to improve family lives.
• Undertake other duties in line with service aims and objectives, as directed by management.