School Based Family Worker in Heywood

Our Vision

A specialist SEND community inspiring Rochdale and beyond. Redwood School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and innovative School-Based Family Support Worker to join a dedicated and experienced team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a specialist setting supporting children and young people aged 11–19 with a wide range of complex needs, including Autism, SEMH, and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

As part of this role, you will work closely with learners, families, school staff and external professionals to provide targeted support that promotes engagement, wellbeing, and positive outcomes. You will play a key role in supporting families to overcome barriers, strengthen relationships, and access appropriate services, helping to ensure that children and young people can thrive both at school and at home.

Redwood is a growing special school with a strong commitment to inclusion and high-quality provision. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team focused on delivering the best possible care, guidance, and opportunities for every learner. This role offers a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a nurturing environment where teamwork, communication, and a shared vision are central to success.

We are seeking to recruit a person who will:

• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with a variety of young people who have special educational needs or disabilities.
• Be able to demonstrate their ability to support children and young people who are at risk of significant harm.
• Have experience of working with children and young people to gain their wishes and feelings during Early Help Assessment, Child in Need, Child Protection, Cared For Children or court processes.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with school‑based colleagues, parents, carers and a variety of outside agencies.
• Have experience of leading or contributing to Early Help Assessments.
• Have an understanding of support agencies and services that children and young people and their parents or carers can be referred to in the locality.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and deliver effective programmes of support for children/young people and their families.
• Work directly with children, young people and families to provide advice, guidance and targeted interventions.
• Contribute to assessments such as Early Help, Child in Need and Child Protection processes.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with school staff and external agencies (e.g. social care, health services).
• Maintain accurate case records and produce reports for a range of audiences.
• Monitor and review support plans, adapting interventions to meet changing needs.
• Provide advice and signpost families to appropriate local support services.
• Support safeguarding practices and contribute to protecting children at risk.

Essential Requirements Include

• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people and their families.
• Experience within safeguarding/child protection systems and processes.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑agency team.
• Strong communication skills with children, families, colleagues and professionals.
• Knowledge of child development and the needs of vulnerable children.
• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with families.
• Understanding of support services available for children and families.
• Ability to plan, deliver and review targeted support programmes.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade A*–C / 94 or equivalent).
• Level 3 qualification in a relevant area (e.g. Health & Social Care, Family Support, Teaching & Learning).
• Relevant training or experience in safeguarding and family support work.
• Evidence of continued professional development (desirable).

We can offer

• A committed, driven and supportive team.
• Excellent CPD and support for your own career development.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• First class facilities that support our staff and learners in an ever developing and challenging environment.
• Discounted gym membership at Oulder Hill Leisure Centre & Your Trust Gyms.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring and background check.

Applicants are advised that by applying for this position they are declaring that they are not subject to any immigration controls or restrictions that prohibit them undertaking work in the UK, and that they are able to provide proof of their Right to Work in the UK if they are invited to attend an interview. The school will carry out an online search as part of their due‑diligence for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.