At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parents facing challenges to create positive change and stability in their lives.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds and committed to supporting all applicants.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact on families' futures.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or substantial experience in social care or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall Glenfield LE3 8RA
Salary: £35,451 - £39,165 (pro rata for part time)
Working Hours: 37 Hours
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 1st March 2026
Interview Date(s): Parent Panel 10th March 2026 and Interviews on 12th and 13th March 2026
About the Role
Brighter Futures is a pilot service launched in September 2024, designed to break the cycle of recurrent child removals by supporting parents following care proceedings. Following the successful pilot stage, it is becoming a permanent service in Leicestershire from April 2026. We are expanding the capacity and remit of the team and are looking for Key Workers to join the project team as the work grows and develops as a permanent service offer.
Brighter Futures provides intensive, collaborative, and goal-oriented support to address the complex needs of parents who have experienced the loss of a child/children following child protection and court proceedings. We provide intensive, relationship-based support to parents, helping them stabilise their lives, and make sustainable change to prevent future removals, supporting parents to navigate the unique trauma associated with child removal and helping them rebuild stability, resilience and hope.
This role is specifically designed to begin to address the complex needs of parents, to support positive change in their lives and to improve outcomes and life chances for parents, children, and families by breaking the cycle of recurrent removals and contributing to reducing the number of children entering care in Leicestershire.
Brighter Futures enables this through developing and delivering flexible and creative packages of support to address emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges arising from childhood experiences and/or traumatic life events. We understand and recognise the challenges parents face and apply creativity and determination to deliver a flexible, tailored approach that effectively engages and empowers parents.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject, e.g. social care, health or childcare, OR substantial experience in providing direct support to families.
- Experience of working with parents who have experienced loss or separation and the unresolved trauma response to this.
- Experience of providing direct support to adults/families with complex needs which may include mental health, offending, substance misuse, domestic violence and abuse, housing and/or employment/educational issues.
- An understanding of the impact of discrimination on the lives of those from minority communities and others that experience social exclusion.
- A willingness to work with people from diverse backgrounds, recognising and understanding the importance of a parent's own journey, childhood trauma and the link to their own parenting.
- Awareness and understanding of the relationship between poverty and social deprivation.
- Ability to work proactively, persistently and persuasively with adults and families who may not be willing to engage with services.
- Ability to build professional confidence and resilience, good working relationships with adults.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively focusing on hearing and capturing the parents' voice.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we're looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what's on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential.
If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the 'About You' section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Key Worker Brighter Futures employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Worker Brighter Futures
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and Brighter Futures. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by role-playing with a friend or family member. Focus on articulating your experiences with parents facing complex needs, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the Key Worker role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! Think about specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in supporting families through trauma and change. This will help you connect with the interview panel and showcase your ability to empathise and engage.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, and it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Worker Brighter Futures
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the specific criteria listed in the job description. We want to see your unique experiences and skills shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on examples that demonstrate your ability to support parents facing complex challenges. We love seeing real-life stories that show your impact and understanding of the role.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you to make a difference in the lives of families.
Apply Early!: We might close the application early if we get enough interest, so don’t wait! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to ensure you’re in the running.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Brighter Futures programme and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the challenges parents face after child removal and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Share Personal Stories
When discussing your experience, share specific examples that highlight your skills in supporting families with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
This role requires a compassionate approach. Be prepared to talk about how you've supported individuals facing trauma or loss. Show that you can connect with parents on a personal level and understand their unique journeys.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the support systems in place for Key Workers or how success is measured within the Brighter Futures programme. This demonstrates your commitment to the role.