At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families by facilitating supervised contact between parents and children.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's Children and Family Wellbeing Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with competitive benefits and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Entry-level position with a chance to develop skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building positive relationships.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping families.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Family Time Worker | Fixed term contract until 17/03/26 | Hyndburn & Ribble Valley
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Children and Family Wellbeing Service. Post holders will deliver neighbourhood based services in support of discharging the services duties in relation to the provision of designated supervised contact between parents and children (Family Time). This provision will focus on children under Children Act Section 20, Interim Care Orders and the prescribed arrangements for these and throughout Care proceedings up until the full care order is made and until a reduction plan is agreed.
Post holders will plan in conjunction with the allocated Social Worker and Senior Family Support Worker the arrangements for Family Time. They will then facilitate that Family Time in designated settings which enables children and young people to have positive interactions with their parents/carers during their period of separation until a decision regarding their future is made. Family time workers provide the required supervision of these arrangements and undertake suitable observation, process assessment and recording of these contacts as defined within standardised operating procedures and in accordance with agreed timescales.
Family time workers will maintain appropriate liaison with the families designated social worker to ensure continuity of information sharing and engage in appropriate planning and review of the family time offer to each family, including arrangements around the progression of Family Time and the reduction of Family Time at key milestones. They will process and record details of the family time which they deliver, using standardised procedures and agreed IT systems and in accordance with agreed policies.
Post holders will participate in the development of the assessment of risk in conjunction with the allocated Social Worker and their Senior Family Support Worker. They will use this risk assessment to deliver an appropriate response to delivering family time in relation to how family time is received in each family situation, and as to whether this is individualised or in a group situation with other families or if the risk is extremely low in a wider early help group setting.
Post holders will observe and make recommendations to the designated Social Worker and Senior Family Support Worker in relation to new emerging needs and unforeseen issues arising from the family time delivery, seeking guidance from these colleagues and making practical decisions within closely defined policies and procedural guidance.
Family time workers will build positive relationships with parents and children and build mutual trust and respect.
Supporting the service in the delivery and continuous improvement of early help services for children, young people, and families in line with the vision for Children and Families in Lancashire developed by the Children and Families Partnership Board which states: “Children, young people and their families are safe, healthy and achieve their full potential”.
For an informal conversation please contact Laura Swarbrick laura.swarbrick@lancashire.gov.uk
Interviews scheduled for 23/10/25
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a \'disclosure\'. Further information can be found on the \'Our Recruitment Process\' tab.
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.
We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Family Time Worker employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of children and families in the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area. With a commitment to employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to build meaningful relationships while making a positive impact in their community. The council provides a range of benefits and opportunities for professional advancement, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Time Worker
✨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 Lancashire County Council.
✨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 Lancashire County Council!
✨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 Lancashire County Council, 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 Lancashire County Council 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 Time Worker
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire County Council! 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 Lancashire County Council
✨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.
