Family Time Worker

Family Time Worker (x2 Positions) – 3 Month Contract

Contract: Temporary (3 months, with potential extension)

Hours: Full-Time – 37 hours per week

Working Pattern

• Office-based role
• Flexible working hours to meet service needs
• Regular working until 6:30pm – 7:00pm
• Occasional requirement to work until 8:00pm
• Some Saturday working required
• Ideal for candidates based in or near Solihull, Coventry, or surrounding areas

Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Access to a suitable vehicle for work purposes
• Experience working with children, young people, and families
• Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health & Social Care, Family Support, or equivalent OR substantial relevant experience
• Ability to travel across the borough as required

Summary

This is a 3-month contract role responsible for facilitating, supervising, and assessing Family Time arrangements between children, young people, and their parents or significant family members. The postholder will ensure Family Time is delivered safely and effectively in line with care planning arrangements, while providing emotional and practical support to children and families. You will work closely with Social Workers and other professionals to safeguard children, promote positive family relationships, and support assessment and care planning processes.

Responsibilities

Family Time Supervision

• Facilitate and supervise Family Time sessions between children and their parents or significant family members.
• Ensure Family Time arrangements are delivered in accordance with the child's care plan.
• Promote positive, child-centred interactions during Family Time sessions.
• Ensure the child's welfare and safety remains paramount at all times.
• Monitor and manage Family Time sessions professionally and sensitively.

Child & Family Support

• Provide emotional and practical support to children and families during Family Time.
• Support parents to engage fully with Family Time arrangements.
• Offer guidance on positive parenting techniques and child-centred interactions.
• Assist parents in understanding age-appropriate developmental needs.

Assessment & Observation

• Observe and assess interactions between children and family members.
• Record detailed observations of Family Time sessions.
• Contribute to parenting assessments through evidence gathering and reporting.
• Support qualified Social Workers by providing factual observations and professional insight.

Report Writing & Case Recording

• Produce clear, detailed, and objective Family Time reports.
• Complete written observations within required timescales.
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
• Ensure all documentation meets service and statutory requirements.

Care Planning & Multi-Agency Working

• Attend care planning meetings, statutory reviews, and assessment meetings.
• Contribute verbal and written reports to support decision-making.
• Work closely with Social Workers and other professionals to support children's plans.
• Assist in the development of Family Time plans under professional supervision.

Transport & Practical Support

• Transport children and, where necessary, adults to and from Family Time sessions.
• Ensure all transport arrangements comply with safety requirements and risk assessments.
• Maintain responsibility for the safe transportation of service users.

Safeguarding

• Identify and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Escalate concerns relating to neglect, abuse, injury, or significant harm.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.
• Participate in the duty function of the team where required.

Court & Legal Proceedings

• Prepare statements and reports for court proceedings.
• Attend court and provide evidence when required.
• Contribute information to support legal and care planning processes.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health & Social Care, Family Support, Youth Work, or a related field.

OR

• Significant experience working within a child and family setting.
• Safeguarding training.
• Parenting intervention or family support qualifications.
• Relevant childcare or social care certifications.

Knowledge

• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
• Knowledge of child development and attachment.
• Understanding of Family Time/contact arrangements within Children's Services.
• Awareness of the needs of looked after children and families.
• Understanding of confidentiality and information sharing protocols.

Experience

• Experience working directly with children, young people, and families.
• Experience supporting vulnerable children and families.
• Experience observing and recording behaviours and family interactions.
• Experience producing written reports and maintaining case records.
• Experience working alongside multi-agency professionals.
• Previous local authority Children's Services experience.
• Experience supervising Family Time or contact sessions.
• Experience supporting parenting assessments.
• Experience attending court proceedings or contributing reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong observational and assessment skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
• Good report-writing and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Additional Information

• This is a 3-month temporary contract with potential extension.
• Full-time – 37 hours per week.
• Office-based role with community visits.
• Flexible working required, including evenings and occasional Saturdays.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
• Previous Children's Services or Family Support experience is highly desirable.