At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parents in crisis with practical and emotional guidance to improve family dynamics.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering families and enhancing child development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: A full UK driving licence may be required, and an Enhanced DBS check is necessary.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding role that fosters positive change in families and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in outreach or family support is essential; qualifications in health or social care are a plus.
Location: Portsmouth and surrounding areas
Contract Type: Part-Time, Flexible Hours
Salary: £15-£17ph
Reporting to: Family Services Team Leader / Social Work Manager
Introduction
Do you have a background in outreach, teaching, fostering, children's services, family support, or mother and baby units? Are you an excellent communicator, empathetic, reliable, and passionate about delivering real support to parents in need? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team as a Family Support Worker. This rewarding role focuses on helping parents in crisis regain stability, build their confidence, and learn how to positively parent their children.
Job Purpose
To provide practical, emotional, and parenting-focused support to parents experiencing crisis whether due to mental health issues, housing difficulties, relationship breakdown, or other challenges. You'll work directly with families to help them build resilience, develop consistent parenting routines, and improve outcomes for their children. This is a part-time role with flexible hours, including the possibility of working evenings, weekends, and during school holidays, to meet the needs of families and provide timely support when it's most needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Encourage and support parents to take an active, nurturing role in their children's lives - strengthening attachment, promoting boundaries, and increasing parenting confidence.
- Deliver tailored parenting interventions and evidence-based strategies in family homes and community settings.
- Support families in building daily routines, managing behaviour, understanding child development, and accessing the right services.
- Provide hands-on support with routines, home organisation, and attending appointments when needed.
- Develop clear, outcome-focused family plans, ensuring input from parents and professionals.
- Keep accurate, up-to-date records in line with safeguarding procedures and organisational policy.
- Promote positive, lasting change and safe, supportive home environments for children.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Background in a relevant field (e.g. outreach, teaching, fostering, children's services, or family support).
- Experience working with vulnerable families, particularly parents facing complex or high-need situations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a calm, empathetic approach.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
- Ability to work independently and flexibly, including some evenings, weekends, and school holidays.
- Good organisational skills and confidence with accurate record-keeping.
Desirable:
- Relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, Early Years, or equivalent).
- Experience delivering parenting programmes (e.g. Solihull, Triple P, Incredible Years).
- Familiarity with trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
Additional Information
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.
Family Support Worker in Portsmouth employer: All The Top Bananas
Join our dedicated team as a Family Support Worker in Portsmouth, where we prioritise a supportive and flexible work culture that empowers you to make a real difference in the lives of families in crisis. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for professional growth, you'll find a rewarding environment that values your contributions and encourages ongoing development in the field of family support. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative atmosphere ensures that you can thrive while helping parents build resilience and positive parenting skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of family support and social work. Attend local community events or workshops related to child services, as this can help you make valuable connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider volunteering or shadowing experienced Family Support Workers. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the role when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with evidence-based parenting programmes like Solihull or Triple P. Being knowledgeable about these approaches can set you apart during interviews and show your dedication to effective family support.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences with vulnerable families. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you successfully supported parents in crisis, as this will showcase your empathy and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in outreach, teaching, or family support. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in working with vulnerable families and your understanding of child protection principles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting parents in crisis. Mention your empathetic approach and how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the Family Support Worker role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have any relevant qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, be sure to mention them. This can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the field.
Prepare for Potential Questions:Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your experience with complex family situations and your approach to building relationships with parents. Being prepared will help you convey your suitability for the role during interviews.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Family Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported families in crisis. This will demonstrate your understanding of their challenges and your ability to connect with them.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss your background in outreach, teaching, or any relevant field. Tailor your responses to showcase how your previous roles have equipped you with the skills needed for this position, especially in working with vulnerable families.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, practice clear and concise answers. You might also want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer, showing your interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Understand Safeguarding Principles
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding and child protection principles, as these are essential in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations and ensure the safety and well-being of the children and families you support.
