At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in foster care by facilitating family time and promoting positive relationships.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and access to employee rewards and benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a strong sense of community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 in working with children or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Family Time Worker (Part‑time, permanent)
Are you passionate about making a difference to children’s lives who are placed in local authority foster care? As a Family Time Worker, you will support children in understanding their birth identity and supervise their time with birth parents.
We need people who can encourage and help maintain positive relationships between children and parents. Working with very vulnerable children means maintaining professional relationships while managing complex family needs and behaviours.
Your role will involve providing a safe and supportive environment, offering guidance and parenting advice, and modelling positive interaction. You will also transport children to and from school and family time at various locations around the county and further afield.
We currently have a part‑time permanent vacancy, working 18.5 hours per week over 2.5 days. Contracted hours are Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday. Flexibility is required as some family times involve working outside contracted hours, including evenings and weekends.
Main Responsibilities
- Facilitate therapeutic family time between children and their parents or other family members.
- Coordinate arrangements for family time as directed by court.
- Transport children and young people to attend family time.
- Provide parenting support and guidance during family time.
- Support the completion of accurate documentation, reports and records relating to children, young people and families.
- Be available outside traditional working patterns, including evenings and weekends, to support children, families and carers when needed.
The Ideal Candidate
- Minimum NVQ 3 in working with children and families or equivalent experience.
- Experience of direct work with children, their families and carers in a statutory or voluntary agency that serves vulnerable children.
- Experience using IT, including Microsoft Office packages.
- Understanding of child development and the impact of stress and trauma on child development.
- Knowledge of key policies, guidance and legislation governing children’s social care.
- Unrestricted use of a car and a driving licence.
- Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends as required.
- Effective communication skills with children, families and carers.
- Ability to build relationships and deliver interventions to children, families and carers.
- Ability to work effectively in conflict situations.
Need more information?
If you are unsure whether your skills and experience meet the needs for this role, please get in touch. We would love to chat to you!
Contact: Jennifer.elliott@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.
As this position requires a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, please disclose any relevant information in your application.
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Family Time Worker employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Time Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of child welfare and family support. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who share your passion for helping children and families.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to family time work. Think about scenarios where you've successfully supported families or children, and be ready to share those stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you're passionate about making a difference in children's lives. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Time Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and families shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support vulnerable families.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your qualifications without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Family Time Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with child development theories, the impact of trauma, and relevant legislation. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for supporting vulnerable children and families.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children and families. Think about times when you facilitated positive interactions or provided support during challenging situations. These stories will demonstrate your skills and how you can apply them in this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations involving children and families. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios, focusing on your approach to building relationships and managing conflict. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.