At a Glance
- Tasks: Support neurodiverse children and families through practical and emotional guidance.
- Company: Join Norwood, the UK's oldest Jewish charity, making a real difference since 1795.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, enhanced parental pay, and health cash plans.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team dedicated to positive change and personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower families and help them thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with neurodiverse families and strong communication skills are essential.
At Norwood, we believe every family deserves the right support to help them navigate the experiences of raising a neurodivergent child. As a Family Support Worker, you will work directly with neurodiverse children, young people, parents and carers, helping families feel more confident, supported and connected. You will provide practical and emotional support through one-to-one family work, peer support groups, parenting programmes and community-based guidance. You will help families navigate challenges, celebrate progress and build the tools and confidence to move forward positively. This is a strengths-based and relationship-led role within our Children & Family Services team, where collaboration, empathy and impact are central to the work.
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives. At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive. We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.
Your Day to Day You will:
- Hold a caseload of families and provide personalised one-to-one support
- Complete intake assessments and co-produce support plans with families
- Support parents and carers around education, wellbeing, transitions and family life
- Deliver and facilitate parenting programmes, workshops and peer support groups
- Help families understand and access appropriate services and support
- Build positive working relationships with schools, local authorities, the NHS and partner organisations
- Attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to joined-up support planning
- Maintain accurate case records and professional reports
- Support safeguarding and wellbeing at all times
Some evening and weekend work may be required to support programmes, workshops and family sessions.
Qualifications, Training & Experience You will bring:
- Experience supporting neurodiverse children, young people and families
- Experience within family support, education, youth work, social care or community settings
- Understanding of safeguarding, equality and inclusive practice
- Knowledge of neurodiversity and the challenges families may face
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records
- Confidence facilitating groups, workshops or support sessions
- A warm, empathetic and values-led approach
It would strengthen your application if you have:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification
- Accredited NVR facilitator
- Knowledge of SEND or social care legislation
- Experience supporting transitions into adulthood
- Counselling, coaching or facilitation skills
- Lived experience as a parent or carer of a neurodiverse child
Reward & Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
- Enhanced parental pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health cash plan covering dental, optical, and therapy treatments, with virtual GP access, private consultations, and wellbeing tools via the My Medicash App
- Blue Light Card scheme access
- Cycle to Work scheme
- £300 refer-a-friend bonus
- Career development pathway
- Free on-site parking
- A supportive, experienced team and management.
Norwood's Children and Family Services support neurodivergent children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives. We provide a range of therapeutic, practical and emotional support, including short breaks for young people, parent educational courses, workshops and peer support groups. Everything we do is shaped around the individual: their interests, needs and potential. Whether it's through play, support or learning, we believe every child and their families should have the chance to be themselves, have fun, and thrive as individuals and as a unit.
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, and young people we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with OFSTED, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Family Support Worker in Barnet employer: Norwood
At Norwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting neurodiverse families. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and empathy, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave, health cash plans, and career development pathways, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Barnet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of family support, especially those who work with neurodiverse children. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting families. It’s all about making that emotional connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations that families might face. This will show your understanding of the role and your ability to provide practical support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Norwood.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Barnet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting neurodiverse families shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in family support, education, or social care. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of a Family Support Worker.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey or insights related to neurodiversity. Authenticity goes a long way in showing us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing it right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norwood
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the challenges neurodiverse families face and the support they need. Research Norwood's values and services to show you understand their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your empathetic approach. Share examples from your experience where you've supported families or individuals, highlighting your ability to build trusting relationships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving families, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the role and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.