At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through assessments, interventions, and multi-agency coordination.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to community support and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and diverse work environments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification in relevant field and experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
Overview
Fixed term until 31/08/2028. 30 hours per week. Salary HC07 £32,061 - £36,363 per annum (pro rata £25,995 - £29,483). Location: Plough Lane, Hereford. Closing date: 19 July 2026.
Role responsibilities
- Lead practitioner for Family Help: write Family Help Assessments, lead Family Help review meetings, deliver interventions as part of the Family Help plan, and ensure timely, joined-up support that promotes resilience, stability and long-term wellbeing.
- Direct work with children, young people and families: provide 1:1 and family-based support using evidence-based approaches to assess needs, build resilience and improve outcomes.
- Caseload management and multi-agency coordination: manage a complex caseload, coordinate referrals in line with local thresholds, contribute to multi-agency meetings, and advocate for children and families.
- Safeguarding and assessments: undertake safeguarding responsibilities, complete specialist assessments (e.g., Young Carers), develop SMART plans, and chair or contribute to multi-agency meetings.
- Parenting and engagement: deliver parenting programmes, engage family networks, support children and young people (including those with additional needs) to access education, positive activities and services.
- Recording and reporting: maintain high-quality records, provide written and verbal reports, and participate in supervision and training; may involve court processes where required.
About you
- You hold a Level 4 qualification (or above) in a relevant field such as health, education, child development, youth work or social care, with a commitment to continued professional development.
- You have experience working with children, young people and families, including lone working, and understand the challenges within social care and Early Help frameworks.
- You have experience managing complex caseloads, acting as a lead worker, and coordinating multi-agency support to achieve positive outcomes.
- You are skilled in evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., motivational interviewing, solution-focused practice) and, ideally, have experience delivering parenting programmes (e.g., Triple P or Solihull).
- You can build strong, trusting relationships, ensure the voice of the child is heard, and advocate effectively for families.
- You can complete high-quality assessments, reports and plans, and confidently chair multi-agency meetings.
- You have excellent communication, organisational and IT skills, with the ability to prioritise, work independently and collaboratively.
- You understand safeguarding responsibilities and can identify, assess and respond to risk, including exploitation and complex needs.
- You are able to challenge partners and providers constructively to ensure high standards of support.
- You are highly motivated, adaptable and resilient, with a flexible approach to working hours and environments, including travel across the county and working in family homes.
- You have access to your own transport and are prepared to work evenings and weekends when required.
We offer
- Salary: HC07 £32,061 - £36,363 per annum (£25,995 to £29,483 per annum pro rata)
- Professional development: protected time and budget to develop professionally
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with option to purchase up to 10 additional days per annum
- Flexible working: including potential for job-sharing, part-time hours, and agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Professional membership fees: payment for role-required memberships
- Perks and benefits: access to retail, leisure, holiday and health perks, with savings and discounts
For informal discussion about the role, contact the recruitment team at Herefordshire Council. To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form, demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Include reference to the job description and person specification. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email with interview details. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker (Family Help) Central Locality in Hereford
Family Help Assessments
Evidence-Based Approaches
Complex Caseload Management
Multi-Agency Coordination
Safeguarding Responsibilities
SMART Plans Development
Parenting Programmes Delivery