At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in the community to improve school attendance and empower positive change.
- Company: Join Outwood Academy Carlton, a proud member of Outwood Grange Academies Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help families thrive.
- Qualifications: Level 2 qualifications in English and maths; Level 4 qualification in social care preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 31022 £ per year.
Role: Temporary Family Support Worker (2 years)
Academy: Outwood Academy Carlton
Start Date: 01/09/2026
Salary (Actual Salary): £28,035.71 (subject to continuous service)
Working Pattern: 37 Hours a week, term time only plus 10 days
We have an exciting opportunity for a Family Support Worker to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in working within the local community with key partners, supporting families, including those with a range of needs, to address identified issues and empower them to make sustainable change.
The Family Support Worker will be central to coordinating packages of support, often taking on the role of key worker and delivering proven, evidence-based interventions. If you are a highly self-motivated individual with the ability to form strong relationships with families while maintaining professional boundaries, we want to hear from you.
The Role: We are looking for a proactive, resilient, and collaborative professional who can work directly with families in the local community to break down barriers to learning, with a sharp, hands-on focus on improving school attendance. The ideal candidate will build strong, professional relationships with families and external partners, empowering parents to make sustainable, positive changes that get their children back into the classroom every day.
You must be highly organised, capable of managing a caseload under pressure, and deeply committed to student welfare, safeguarding, and driving attendance recovery. Reporting to the Vice Principal and Inclusion Coordinator, your core responsibilities will centre on managing an active caseload as a designated Key Worker, utilising assessment tools to coordinate, implement, and review tailored support plans that directly target persistent absence and increasing individual and academy attendance.
Crucially, you will coordinate and attend school attendance panels to get kids back into school, progressing enforcement measures where necessary. Additionally, you will build parental capacity, assist families in accessing external specialist services and financial benefits to eliminate practical obstacles keeping children from school, organise community support sessions, and maintain precise, confidential records on CPOMS while collaborating closely with the academy’s safeguarding, attendance, and inclusion teams.
Responsibilities: The post holder will manage a caseload of children and families, utilising assessment tools to coordinate Early Help support and acting as a Key Worker where appropriate. You will work collaboratively with school teams and external agencies to implement and review plans that remove barriers to learning and improve student attendance. Key duties include delivering evidence-based interventions in both school and home environments, supporting parents to build resilience and parenting capacity, and assisting families in accessing specialist services or financial entitlements. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records via CPOMS and ensuring all Academy safeguarding procedures are strictly followed.
Qualifications: Candidates must possess Level 2 qualifications in English and maths, or an equivalent standard of education. It is essential to hold a specialist Level 4 qualification in a relevant area, such as social care. While not strictly essential, an additional safeguarding qualification is considered highly desirable for this position. Furthermore, the successful applicant must be able to provide a satisfactory DBS check to meet the Academy’s safety requirements.
Family Support Worker in Barnsley employer: Outwood
Outwood Academy Kirkby is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising the professional development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation in education. Located in a vibrant community, the academy offers a unique chance to contribute to the success of diverse learners, particularly those with SEND and EAL needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Barnsley
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Outwood, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Outwood. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Outwood. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Outwood.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Family Support Worker role at Outwood, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Outwood that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
