Sessional Family Support Worker

The Sessional Family Support Worker provides structured, planned, and responsive support to foster carers and children placed with New Life Fostering. The role contributes to placement stability, safeguarding, and the promotion of positive outcomes for children and young people, in accordance with individual placement plans, care plans, and statutory requirements. The role is delivered flexibly and includes work during evenings, weekends, and school holidays to meet the needs of children and foster carers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support to Children and Young People
  • Provide direct support to children and young people in line with their placement plan, care plan, and risk assessments.
  • Promote the welfare, safety, and emotional wellbeing of children and young people at all times.
  • Support children and young people with routines, education, emotional regulation, and social development, ensuring interventions are appropriate to age, developmental stage, and assessed need.
  • Provide support during evenings, weekends, and school holidays, including structured activities, supervision, and practical assistance as required.
  • Support children during periods of transition, placement introductions, or times of increased vulnerability.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model.
• Support to Foster Carers
  • Provide practical and emotional support to foster carers to enhance their capacity to meet the needs of children placed.
  • Assist carers in implementing agreed strategies, behaviour management approaches, and daily routines as outlined in placement documentation.
  • Provide additional support during periods of increased demand, including evenings, weekends, and school holidays, as directed by the Supervising Social Worker.
  • Promote reflective practice and reinforce safe, nurturing, and child-centred care.
• Professional Practice and Recording
  • Work in partnership with Supervising Social Workers, children's social workers, and other professionals involved in the child's care.
  • Maintain clear, accurate, and timely written records of work undertaken, submitting reports in line with agency recording procedures.
  • Share relevant information appropriately to support safeguarding and care planning.
  • Attend supervision, training, and team meetings as required by the agency, which may include sessions scheduled outside standard office hours.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
  • Act in accordance with New Life Fostering's safeguarding, child protection, and whistleblowing policies at all times.
  • Immediately report any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or allegations in line with statutory guidance and agency procedures.
  • Understand and comply with responsibilities under Working Together to Safeguard Children.
  • Promote a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.
• Accountability and Supervision
  • The Sessional Family Support Worker is accountable to their line manager and works under the direction of qualified social work staff.
  • All work is subject to oversight through supervision and quality assurance processes.
  • The role does not involve decision-making in relation to care planning or statutory responsibilities.

Person Specification

• Essential Criteria
  • Experience of working with children, young people, and/or families.
  • Understanding of the needs of looked-after children, including the impact of trauma, attachment disruption, and loss.
  • Ability to follow care plans, risk assessments, and professional guidance.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills, including accurate record keeping.
  • Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
  • Ability and willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and school holidays.
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
  • Enhanced DBS clearance and completion of all required safer recruitment checks.
• Desirable Criteria
  • Relevant qualification or training in health and social care, childcare, youth work, or a related field.
  • Experience within a fostering, residential, or family support setting.
  • Knowledge of the Fostering Services Regulations and National Minimum Standards.
  • Training in trauma-informed or attachment-focused practice.

Equality, Diversity, and Professional Conduct

• Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Uphold confidentiality and data protection requirements at all times.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner consistent with New Life Fostering's policies, values, and code of conduct.

Review

This job description will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with legislation, National Minimum Standards, and the operational needs of New Life Fostering.

Pay: £15.00-£17.00 per hour

Work Location: In person