At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families to build confidence and independence through assessments and tailored plans.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, a supportive local authority making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts on various services.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful change in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 or equivalent in relevant discipline; experience with vulnerable families required.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 32061 £ per year.
Location: Locality Hub - Patchway
Salary Range: £29,540 - £32,061
How you'll make a difference
Working alongside children, young people and families, you will support them to recognise the small steps of progress they make and build confidence in their own abilities. Your role is to help families reach a point where they can manage independently, without the need for ongoing professional support.
What you will be doing
- You will be responsible for carrying out whole-family assessments, providing advice and guidance to help establish appropriate plans.
- You’ll ensure that services are effective and supportive to meet the needs of families.
- You will regularly review and monitor early help plans, responding to changing needs and renegotiating where appropriate in line with safeguarding procedures.
- You will manage your own caseload to ensure that specialist input is provided and effective outcomes are achieved. Records and reports will be completed in accordance with professional and council guidelines.
- Working collaboratively with partners across different sectors, you will ensure effective communication so that knowledge and best practice are shared.
What we need from you
- It is essential that you are qualified to a level NVQ 3 or equivalent in a relevant discipline or working towards an appropriate qualification related to the provision of services to children and young people.
- You must have experience of the use of evidence-based practice working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children, families or young people.
- You will have previous experience of writing holistic, multi-agency assessments and plans with families.
- You will have well‑developed interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and engage successfully with colleagues, service users and partner organisations.
- You will be skilled at engaging families quickly, so our help continues to support families to use what they have learned once the Families Plus involvement ends.
What you need to know
This role sits within an area currently undergoing a period of change due to the government‑led social care reform. As the sector evolves, some elements of the role may naturally develop too - offering opportunities to grow, adapt and be part of meaningful change. We'll keep you fully informed throughout and make sure you feel supported, valued and confident as the updates arise. It's an exciting time to join us and help shape the future for our children and families.
This role is a permanent full-time position and will be office based. You will be required to travel widely within the authority so you must either have a current driving licence and provide a car or have access to appropriate means of travel. Business insurance will need to be added to your current car insurance policy.
Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.
How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different
As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.
We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long‑term difference in work.
What is special here is the strength of the team ethos. We are a relatively small local authority, so managers know staff well. They can plan their services to ensure teams have manageable caseloads and have effective supervision so feel supported to make decisions which are right for the children and young people they work with.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given the right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life. We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We’re making a difference, be part of it!
Family Support Worker - North Team in Bristol employer: South Gloucestershire Council
At South Gloucestershire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values each team member's contributions. With generous annual leave, comprehensive employee wellbeing support, and a commitment to professional development, we empower our Family Support Workers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Patchway. Join us in shaping communities and fostering growth in a collaborative environment where your skills and dedication are truly appreciated.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - North Team in Bristol
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council.
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council!
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council, 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 South Gloucestershire Council 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 Family Support Worker - North Team in Bristol
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 South Gloucestershire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Gloucestershire Council! 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 South Gloucestershire Council
✨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.
