At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families with complex needs through direct interventions and relationship building.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or relevant experience in supporting families with complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 35451 - 39165 £ per year.
Targeted Family Help is expanding and we are looking for additional Keyworkers to join teams across the county, including our Disabled Children's Team. These opportunities arise from service growth and the implementation of social work reforms.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall Glenfield LE3 8RA (Various locations across the County)
Salary: £35,451 - £39,165 per annum (pro rata for part time) (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 9th August 2026
Interview Dates: 24th August, 27th August & 2nd September – face to face at County Hall
About the Role
We are seeking motivated, adaptable individuals who can build positive relationships with children, young people and families, confidently navigate challenging conversations, and bring a proactive, solution‑focused approach. You will provide direct support to children and families with complex needs, deliver evidence‑based interventions and manage conflict while de‑escalating difficult situations.
Qualifications and Experience
- A Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and/or experience providing direct support in the home to children and families with complex needs (including mental health, offending, substance misuse, domestic violence, abuse and educational issues).
- Experience identifying and delivering appropriate evidence‑based interventions (e.g. solution‑focused brief therapy, the Freedom Programme, parenting programmes, brief intervention, CBT‑based approaches, motivational interviewing).
- Knowledge and awareness of issues affecting families such as domestic violence and abuse, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, poverty, and housing.
- An understanding of the impact of discrimination on minority ethnic communities and other socially excluded groups, and an ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Awareness of the relationship between poverty, social deprivation and child protection, ability to recognise cumulative harm and risk indicators (sexual, physical, emotional and neglect).
- Ability to work proactively, persistently and persuasively with families who may not be willing to engage, using a range of techniques to encourage participation.
- Ability to build professional confidence and resilience, maintain good working relationships with families, overcome barriers to engagement, and communicate sensitively with children and adults.
- An enhanced barred‑list DBS check is required.
Equal Opportunity
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part‑time work, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the role and service requirements.
How to Apply
Submit an application with a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed above. Your application will not be considered unless the statement is provided. Apply early to secure a place.
Contact
For further information or enquiries, contact Jane Read – Team and Partnership Manager for East localities.
Key Worker - Intensive Support in Leicester employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at County Hall in Glenfield, Leicester. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community, particularly in supporting children and young people with additional needs. Our inclusive work culture promotes flexibility, collaboration, and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a real difference in education and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Worker - Intensive Support in Leicester
✨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 Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 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 Key Worker - Intensive Support in Leicester
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 Leicestershire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 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.
