At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through supervised family time and positive relationship building.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, supportive management, and the chance to change lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Every day is unique, offering challenges and rewards while helping families thrive.
- Qualifications: QCF level 3/4 diploma or equivalent, driving license, and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
We have 4 exciting roles on offer within our Children’s service as a Family Support Worker (Resource Team).
Make a Difference Every Day
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and young people? Do you want a career where every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and rewards? Whether you're singing along to Taylor Swift on the school run, joining in with nursery rhymes, or simply offering a listening ear, if you're someone who can provide children with your full attention, care, and support, we'd love to hear from you.
The Resource Team is made up of dedicated, compassionate professionals who are committed to helping children and young people thrive, even during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Our work supports children who may no longer be living with their parents or caregivers, ensuring they continue to experience safety, stability, and meaningful connections.
Supporting Children and Families
Family relationships are an important part of a child's identity and wellbeing. From the moment you collect a child to the time you safely return them home, you'll play a key role in supporting supervised family time, helping to create positive experiences, reduce anxieties, and strengthen relationships. Your nurturing approach will help children feel valued, supported, and understood.
You will also have the opportunity to support young people and families through a range of specialist interventions, including:
- Facilitating supervised family time and supporting positive family relationships.
- Undertaking graded care assessments.
- Working directly with parents to develop parenting skills and confidence.
- Creating life story books to help children and young people understand their experiences, identity, and journey.
- Supporting young people to maintain and strengthen family connections and support networks.
- Leading and facilitating Family Group Conferences (FGCs), bringing families together to identify solutions, develop plans, and create lasting support arrangements that help young people achieve positive outcomes.
Full training, mentoring, and ongoing support will be provided.
A Role That Makes an Impact
No two days are ever the same. One day you may be supporting family time, the next you could be helping a family develop a plan through a Family Group Conference or creating a life story book that provides a child with a better understanding of their experiences. This is a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills while making a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people, and families.
Our Approach
We are committed to working restoratively with children, young people, and their families. We believe in building strong relationships, empowering families to identify their own strengths and solutions, and ensuring that every interaction is respectful, collaborative, and centred on achieving the best outcomes for children.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Caring, resilient, and passionate about supporting children and families.
- Able to build positive relationships with children, young people, and adults.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing needs.
- Confident working independently and as part of a supportive team.
- A car owner with the ability to travel across Middlesbrough and surrounding areas.
What We Offer
A rewarding role where you can genuinely change lives. Comprehensive training and development opportunities. Specialist training in PACE model of care, Family Group Conferencing, graded care assessments, parenting interventions, and life story work. Supportive management and regular supervision. The chance to be part of a passionate team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children and families.
The team is currently based in Hemlington; however, the role requires flexibility to work across Middlesbrough and beyond, including Hubs, specialist contact venues, schools, and family homes.
Applicants must:
- Have a recognised QCF level 3/4 diploma in working with children and young people or an equivalent qualification or a willingness to undertake.
- Have a Full UK Driving License as it is a requirement for this post and suitable car business insurance with access to a car which is in good condition with a MOT certificate (if needed).
- Have Maths and English GCSE grade 3 or equivalent.
- Have some experience of working with families, children, and young people in a variety of settings.
- Understand child development and behaviours which can be viewed as challenging at times.
- Understand the benefits of family group conferences.
- Have a positive attitude and flexibility in their working role regarding hours and days worked.
The post holder may be required to work unsocial hours which can include weekends, bank holidays, late evenings, and early mornings.
If you are looking for a role where your compassion, energy, and commitment can help children and families build brighter futures, we would love to hear from you. If this is you, this may be the opportunity you are looking for!
Please note Middlesbrough Council do not currently offer sponsorships. The above post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
If you would like to talk through this opportunity further, please contact Sue Nicholson – Manager on susan_nicholson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Family Support Worker employer: North East Combined Authority
Northumberland County Council is an excellent employer for those seeking flexible and meaningful work opportunities within the community. As part of the Staff Bank, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and offers training to enhance your skills, all while contributing to the maintenance of local housing. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to equal opportunities, this role provides a unique chance to make a positive impact in the Blyth area.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support 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 North East Combined Authority.
✨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 North East Combined Authority!
✨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 North East Combined Authority, 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 North East Combined Authority 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 Support 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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority
✨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.
