At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students and families, providing practical and emotional guidance.
- Company: St. Mary's Catholic Academy, a respected institution in Blackpool.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only work, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a caring team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
- Qualifications: Empathetic, patient, with experience in family support or social care.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
Thank you for considering St. Mary's Catholic Academy for the next stage in your career. We are seeking to appoint a Family Support Worker: High Needs. The role is to support some of our most vulnerable students and their families in addition to supporting in school “our children”, pupils in local authority care. The post is a permanent post, working term time only plus 5 days, starting on 28th September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
In this rewarding role, you’ll work closely with families to provide practical and emotional support, helping them overcome challenges and build on their strengths. You’ll be a trusted point of contact, offering guidance, advocacy, and tailored interventions to promote positive outcomes for children and their carers.
Key Responsibilities
- Build strong, respectful relationships with our children and families.
- Help families access community resources and services.
- Provide one to one and group support sessions.
About You
- Empathetic, patient, and a good listener.
- Experience in family support, social care, or a related field.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
St Mary’s is a highly regarded oversubscribed Catholic Academy in Blackpool in the Diocese of Lancaster. The school is very much a Catholic family where everyone works together to support and challenge one another to be the best they can be.
BEBCMAT is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, staff and visitors. All posts are subject to:
- DBS
- Medical clearance
- Verification of qualifications and National Insurance number.
- Two references including a judgement about suitability to work with children.
- A member of the interview panel will be trained in implementing Child Protection procedures.
- In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, online search be carried out.
- For teaching positions, barred list checks and prohibition from teaching checks will be carried out.
- For leadership positions, section 128 checks will be performed.
Post Details:
- Grade: NJC pay Grade F - scale point range 19 - 24
- Full Time Equivalent Salary: £33,119.00 to £36,581.00
- Actual Salary: £28,577.00 - £31,565.00
- Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only plus 5 days
- Hours: 37 per week
- Start Date: 28th September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Family Support Worker - High Needs employer: Coast and Vale Learning Trust
Appleton Academy, as part of Exceed Academies Trust, offers a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. With a strong focus on professional development and employee growth, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to a positive school atmosphere. Located in a vibrant community, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives but also provides a chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in education.
Contact Details:
Coast and Vale Learning Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - High Needs
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Coast and Vale Learning Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Coast and Vale Learning Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Coast and Vale Learning Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Coast and Vale Learning Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - High Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Coast and Vale Learning Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Coast and Vale Learning Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coast and Vale Learning Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
