At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families to improve educational outcomes and well-being.
- Company: Join a mission-driven team at St. Paul’s Trust School in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee assistance programme, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in family support and working with diverse communities is essential.
Location: St Paul’s Trust School (Secondary) - Birmingham B12 8NJ
Hours: 5 days per week, term-time only - 35 hours per week plus inset days
Salary: £22,274 - £24,796 per annum (This is the actual salary)
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: Monday 20 April 2026
Interview dates: Interviews will be held online on Friday, 24 April, with second interviews taking place in person in the school between Wednesday, 29 April and Friday, 1 May.
Our mission at School-Home Support is simple. We get children and young people back in school ready to learn, whatever it takes. Is this a mission for you? Yes? Then read on.
St. Paul’s Secondary School is a small independent school located in the heart of Balsall Heath. Our provision is targeted to meet the special educational needs of young people, aged 11 - 16 years, who experience social, emotional and mental health difficulties. In previous settings, our pupils have exhibited challenging behaviours, which are frequently associated with a wide range of complex conditions, including ASD, ADHD, Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties and challenging behaviour.
We are looking for a Family Support Worker to join our team and to make a difference in children's lives every single day. As a Family Support Worker, you will work in close partnership with the children, families and school staff to deliver a programme of casework to promote and improve educational outcomes for the children we support. You will also focus your support to help improve attendance, punctuality, engagement in learning, improved behaviour in school and the local community as well as improving social and emotional regulation and well-being.
You will have excellent relationship-building and communication skills with a proven ability to communicate with a wide group of people.
Qualifications
- Working and engaging with parents, carers or guardians, children or individuals through individual and/or group-based support
- Working in an educational or outreach environment
- Working effectively with social and emotional factors affecting a child’s capacity to learn
- Delivering family support
- Working with families from diverse communities
We are committed to maximising staff wellbeing and creating an inclusive, safe environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.
Benefits
- Employee assistance programme
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme
For an informal and confidential chat about the role please email HR at recruitment@shs.org.uk
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please email recruitment@shs.org.uk or call HR on 020 7426 5000 if you need any special arrangements or adjustments to help you take part in this recruitment process.
School‑Home Support takes the duty of care very seriously to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. Our safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. All family support roles at SHS are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
SHS Family Support Practitioner (School-Based) in Birmingham employer: School Home Support
At School Home Support, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative team environment where your contributions are valued. With flexible working arrangements, a structured induction programme, and opportunities for professional development, you will play a vital role in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Stratford. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that is committed to breaking the cycle of deprivation and fostering positive change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SHS Family Support Practitioner (School-Based) in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at School Home Support.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from School Home Support!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like School Home Support, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at School Home Support or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SHS Family Support Practitioner (School-Based) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to School Home Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to School Home Support! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at School Home Support
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
