At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional and practical support to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, generous leave, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and robust training opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in child health, education, or social care; strong communication and people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: East Lancashire
Closing date: 28 July 2026
Interview dates: To be confirmed
Salary: £24,000 pa + Company Car (with an approximate retail value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k) and other excellent benefits
About the role
We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full-time basis (35 hours, 5 days per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Kentown Team to families in the local area, at a time where they need it most. Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Kentown Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness. You will enjoy responsibility for managing your own schedule, remaining flexible to the needs of the families on your caseload.
Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.
Location
This role will cover Kentown and East Lancashire area.
Qualifications
- An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care
- A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly
- Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines
- Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)
- A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates
- A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families - aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.
What we offer
- Control over your own schedule, based on the needs of families on your caseload, to balance home and working life
- Company car for front line care posts (car P11D value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k)
- Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%
- 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)
- The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping
- Time off in Lieu
- Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to help your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline
- Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts
- Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes
- Recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme
- Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth.
The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs. Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.
Additional Information
There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post. Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
Kentown Family Support Worker - East Lancashire (Maternity Cover up to 12 months) employer: Rainbow Trust Children
Rainbow Trust Children is an exceptional employer that values compassion and community impact, offering volunteers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of families with sick children. With a flexible schedule and a supportive work culture, volunteers can enjoy meaningful engagement while developing valuable skills in a nurturing environment. Join us in the North East and be part of a dedicated team that prioritises empathy and reliability in every journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kentown Family Support Worker - East Lancashire (Maternity Cover up to 12 months)
✨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 Rainbow Trust Children, 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 Kentown Family Support Worker - East Lancashire (Maternity Cover up to 12 months)
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 Rainbow Trust Children. 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 Rainbow Trust Children. 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 Rainbow Trust Children
✨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 Rainbow Trust Children.
✨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 Kentown Family Support Worker - East Lancashire (Maternity Cover up to 12 months) role at Rainbow Trust Children, 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 Rainbow Trust Children that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
