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- Tasks: Support vulnerable adolescents and families, providing practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Join Southwark Council's dedicated safeguarding team making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be a frontline hero, helping young people navigate challenges and build resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or youth support, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role? Find out below.
Hybrid: 3 days office-based + community work + some home working
36 hours per week
£25 per hour (umbrella) (£18 PAYE an hour)
Initial 3-month contract (potential extension)
Southwark Council is recruiting a Family Support Worker to join the Extra-Familial Harm & Missing Team, supporting vulnerable adolescents and families at risk of exploitation, contextual harm, and children going missing from home or care. This is a frontline, relationship-focused role working across the community, council sites and from home, providing targeted, practical and emotional support to young people and families.
About the roleYou will work closely with children, young people and their families to build trusted relationships, reduce risk, and improve outcomes. The role sits within adolescent safeguarding and involves multi-agency partnership working alongside social workers, education, police and specialist services.
Key responsibilities- Work directly with children, young people and families experiencing complex needs and risks
- Support adolescents vulnerable to exploitation, extra-familial harm and missing episodes
- Deliver practical and emotional family support, including during times of crisis
- Carry out Return Home Interviews and targeted interventions where appropriate
- Contribute to assessments and intervention plans with social workers and partner agencies
- Coordinate and signpost families to local and national support services
- Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and case discussions
- Maintain accurate case records and produce professional reports
- Build resilience in young people and help families achieve sustainable outcomes
- Experience working with children, young people and families in a social care / safeguarding / youth support setting
- Knowledge of exploitation, contextual safeguarding, and risks linked to missing from home or care
- Strong multi-agency working and communication skills
- Ability to assess risk, record case information and produce clear professional reports
- Experience delivering practical and solution-focused family interventions
- Enhanced DBS required
This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist safeguarding team making a real difference to vulnerable adolescents and their families across Southwark. Apply now to be considered.
Family Support Officer employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of family support or social care. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your experience with children and families. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to show your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common questions related to safeguarding and family support. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and articulate your experiences effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to submit your application directly; it shows initiative and makes it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with children, young people, and families. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Family Support Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves multi-agency working, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and maybe even share a brief story about how you’ve effectively collaborated with others in the past.
Highlight Your Experience: We’re looking for candidates with hands-on experience in social care or safeguarding. Be sure to detail your previous roles and responsibilities that relate to supporting vulnerable adolescents and families, as this will really help your application stand out.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of exploitation, contextual safeguarding, and the specific challenges faced by vulnerable adolescents. Familiarise yourself with Southwark Council's approach and any recent initiatives they've launched.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with children, young people, and families in a social care or safeguarding setting. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to build relationships and deliver practical support during crises.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves multi-agency partnership working, be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with other professionals. Highlight how you've effectively communicated and coordinated with social workers, police, and education services in the past.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
