At a Glance
- Tasks: Support separated families through supervised sessions and deliver parenting support.
- Company: Join Plymouth City Council's dedicated team focused on safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a commitment to high expectations and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience working with vulnerable children and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 36363 € per year.
The OAK Tree House team is responsible for the delivery of supervised ‘Time Together’ (contact) sessions between separated children and their birth families due to care proceedings having been initiated. This service is trauma‑informed with a strong commitment to delivering evidence‑based supporting assessments and interventions.
The role of the Family Support Worker is an integrated part of Plymouth City Council’s overall strategy to protect and safeguard the children of Plymouth. This role is primarily about supporting separated families to see each other safely and the successful candidate will also be expected to deliver parenting support both in and out of session, therapeutic life story interventions and targeted direct work with children, carers and their families.
The job involves working with the most vulnerable children in the city in partnership with family members, social workers, and foster carers. You will be committed to working in a child‑focused and strengths‑based way and will have an understanding of the positive impact of whole family approaches which prevent needs from escalating.
In return, you will be joining a service with a commitment to a ‘High Expectations, High Support, High Challenge’ culture and a supportive team, where we expect you to provide a high standard of support to families and will support you with good quality supervision and training and development opportunities from our Learning Academy.
To apply for this post, you must demonstrate experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and their families. This is a full‑time post which involves regular Saturday working and some evenings. You will work well as part of a team as well as showing initiative and a problem solving approach. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate understanding of the Children Act 1989.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For more information or an informal discussion please contact Jen Houghton – jen.houghton@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing Date: Wednesday 20 May
Family Support Worker (OAK Tree House) in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Family Support Workers at OAK Tree House. With a strong emphasis on professional development through our Learning Academy, employees benefit from high-quality supervision and training opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to support vulnerable families effectively. Our commitment to a 'High Expectations, High Support, High Challenge' culture, combined with flexible working arrangements, makes this role not only meaningful but also rewarding for those passionate about making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker (OAK Tree House) in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of family support work, especially those connected to OAK Tree House. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals and share your passion for supporting families.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with vulnerable children and families. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role's requirements. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work with families and children to the interview. Whether it’s a successful intervention or a creative approach you took, we love hearing about real-life experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Plymouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker (OAK Tree House) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting families and children shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with children and families. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Family Support Worker and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and the Children Act 1989, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable children and families. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your skills in providing support, delivering parenting interventions, and working collaboratively with social workers and foster carers.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative
This role requires both teamwork and the ability to take initiative. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team, as well as instances where you've taken the lead on a project or solved a problem independently.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the team culture and support systems in place, showing your genuine interest in the role.
