Family Support Worker

Help families build brighter futures. At Mikare Family Services, our Social Work team have combined over 25 years of experience at Residential family Centres. We work alongside parents, Local Authorities and partner agencies to provide parenting assessments, practical support and life-changing guidance that helps families achieve more together. We're looking for compassionate, resilient and motivated people who believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed. If you're passionate about supporting parents, safeguarding children and making a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role: No two days are the same at Mikare. As a Residential Family Support Worker, you'll work closely with parents and their children in a supportive residential environment, helping families develop the skills and confidence they need to provide safe, nurturing care. You'll build positive, professional relationships with families, offering practical guidance, encouragement and honest feedback while carrying out detailed observations that contribute to parenting assessments. This is a rewarding role where you'll work as part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children and families.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting families: Build trusting, respectful and non-judgemental relationships with parents.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and encouragement to help parents meet their child's daily needs.
• Model positive parenting techniques and support parents in developing confidence and life skills.
• Create structured weekly plans that include appointments, activities and learning opportunities.
• Provide compensatory care for children where appropriate and when required to ensure their immediate needs are met.
• Work alongside families to achieve the goals of their placement.

Safeguarding children: Keep children's welfare at the centre of everything you do.

• Recognise safeguarding concerns and act quickly in line with our policies and procedures.
• Confidently intervene where a child may be at immediate risk of harm.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for every family.
• Respect each family's individuality, culture, beliefs and background while promoting equality and inclusion.

Assessment and recording: Produce clear, accurate and objective observations of daily family life.

• Contribute to parenting assessments through detailed recording and direct work with families.
• Maintain confidential records in line with data protection requirements.
• Share information professionally with colleagues and partner agencies.

Working with professionals: Work collaboratively with Social Workers, Health Visitors, Psychologists and other professionals.

• Attend review meetings, planning meetings and other professional forums.
• Support outreach work and, where required, travel with families for home visits and assessments.

Being part of Team Mikare: Take part in regular supervision, training and team meetings.

• Contribute ideas that help us continually improve our service.
• Support the Registered Manager in maintaining high standards and ensuring the service remains Ofsted-ready.
• Follow health and safety procedures and help maintain a clean, safe environment for families, colleagues and visitors.
• Assist with occasional administrative duties, including maintaining records and responding to enquiries.

What we're looking for: We're looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate, patient and approachable.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage challenging situations professionally.
• An excellent communicator with strong listening skills.
• Able to maintain clear professional boundaries while building supportive relationships.
• Organised and confident in producing accurate written reports.
• Committed to safeguarding children and promoting positive outcomes for families.
• Comfortable working as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team.
• Flexible and willing to travel nationally when required for outreach visits.

Why join Mikare Family Services? At Mikare, you'll become part of a dedicated team with over 25 years of experience supporting vulnerable families. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive workplace where staff are valued, encouraged to develop professionally and given the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and parents every day. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your compassion, professionalism and commitment can change lives, we'd love to hear from you.