At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through targeted interventions and group work in a community setting.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council's Family Help Service, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and on-site nursery.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on families' lives while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and experience in family support or safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're looking for a dedicated and compassionate Family Worker to join our Family Help Service, supporting children, young people and families to achieve positive and lasting outcomes.
About the role
- You’ll work in the Family Hubs and in the community, delivering a mix of targeted interventions, group work and practical support while helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families.
- Holding a caseload and acting as the Lead Practitioner for families.
- Undertaking whole family assessments and developing outcome focused plans.
- Delivering direct work and evidence-based interventions with children, young people and parents.
- Facilitating Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings and supporting family‑led decision making.
- Building strong, trusting relationships with families, including those who may be reluctant to engage.
- Working closely with multi‑agency partners including schools, health services and social care.
- Delivering group sessions and parenting programmes within the Family Hub.
- Ensuring the voice of the child is central to all plans and interventions.
- Monitoring and reviewing progress to ensure positive, sustained outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to service performance and quality.
You’ll be passionate about supporting families and confident working in a fast‑paced environment with children, young people and parents facing a range of challenges. You’ll be someone who builds trust easily, stays calm under pressure and is motivated to make a real difference.
You'll bring:
- A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) and relevant parenting programme training.
- Experience working with children, young people and families in a support setting.
- Experience within a safeguarding and multi‑agency environment.
- Strong assessment, planning and organisational skills.
- The ability to manage a caseload and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence delivering group work and structured interventions.
- A resilient, solution‑focused approach, particularly in challenging situations.
- The ability to work collaboratively with partners and colleagues.
- A strong commitment to inclusion, equality and continuous professional development.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years (monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax).
Disability Confident Employer: Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. Candidates who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Family Worker in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Join Reading Borough Council as a Family Worker and become part of a dedicated team that values compassion and inclusivity. With generous holiday entitlements, flexible working opportunities, and a modern working environment in the heart of Reading, you'll find a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive and make a meaningful impact on families in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Worker in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of family support. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working as Family Workers. Building relationships can lead to insider info on job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with children and families. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in past roles. This will help them see you as the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like our Family Help Service. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. Sometimes, the best jobs aren’t advertised!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to family work. Think about how you would handle challenging situations or engage reluctant families. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Family Worker role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what’s important.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting families shine through! Share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in similar roles, as this will resonate with us and demonstrate your commitment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand at a glance.
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 the role without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Family Worker role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as holding a caseload and facilitating Team Around the Family meetings. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since building trust with families is crucial, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with children, young people, and parents in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you used to connect with reluctant families, as this will demonstrate your ability to foster strong relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience in challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage a difficult case or work collaboratively with multi-agency partners. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
The role requires a strong commitment to inclusion and equality. Be ready to discuss how you've promoted these values in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've adapted your approach to meet the diverse needs of families and ensure every voice is heard.
