At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils and families to overcome barriers to learning and wellbeing.
- Company: Smile Education, a specialist agency in the education sector.
- Benefits: Ongoing support, CPD opportunities, and access to a network of schools.
- Other info: Immediate start available; must be located near Kidderminster.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote a nurturing school environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Family Support Worker or similar role is essential.
Smile Education are recruiting for an experienced Family Support Worker to start immediately at a welcoming and inclusive primary school in the Kidderminster area. This is a temporary position expected to continue until the end of the academic year.
The Role
As a Family Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils and their families to overcome barriers to learning, attendance, wellbeing, and engagement. Working closely with the school's safeguarding, pastoral, and leadership teams, you will build positive relationships with families, provide early intervention support, and help create the best possible outcomes for children across the school community.
Responsibilities
- Providing practical and emotional support to pupils and their families
- Working closely with parents and carers to improve attendance, behaviour, and engagement with school
- Supporting safeguarding and child welfare procedures in line with school policies
- Liaising with external agencies and professionals to coordinate support for vulnerable families
- Carrying out home visits where appropriate and maintaining accurate case records
- Delivering early intervention strategies and signposting families to relevant services
- Supporting pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs both in and out of the classroom
- Attending multi-agency meetings and contributing to support plans
- Building positive relationships with staff, pupils, parents, and external professionals
- Promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive school environment
Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Family Support Worker, Pastoral Support Worker, or in a similar role within a primary school or education setting (essential)
- Experience supporting vulnerable children and families
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and early help processes
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work effectively with parents, carers, school staff, and external agencies
- Organised, empathetic, and able to manage a varied caseload
- Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a wider pastoral team
- Current Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Fully vetted and able to start immediately
- Ideally located within a reasonable commuting distance of Kidderminster
Why work with Smile Education?
Smile Education are an agency with a difference. We are education specialists with a proven record of supporting both experienced support staff and education professionals. We provide ongoing support, CPD opportunities, and access to a wide network of schools across the local area.
We are committed to safeguarding children. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks, including Enhanced DBS, Barred List, Prohibited List, Right to Work, and reference checks.
Contact Details:
Smile Education Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Family Support Worker
✨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 Smile Education Recruitment, 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 School Family Support Worker
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 Smile Education Recruitment. 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 Smile Education Recruitment. 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 Smile Education Recruitment
✨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 Smile Education Recruitment.
✨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 School Family Support Worker role at Smile Education Recruitment, 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 Smile Education Recruitment that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
