At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in need through engaging sessions and community outreach.
- Company: Join an award-winning community organisation dedicated to empowering families.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and community impact on the Isle of Wight.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a compassionate team helping families thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting families and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 10491 - 13988 £ per year.
Hours: 15 - 20 hours per week
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight & community-based delivery
Salary: £10,491.00 - £13,988
Contract: 1 Year with expectation to remain in post with further funding
Reports to: Senior Coordinator
Immediate start available for the right candidate.
About The Parenting Network
The Parenting Network is a values-led, award-winning community organisation providing inclusive, accessible support for families. We work across Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight, delivering programmes that strengthen communities, empower parents, and create safe, welcoming spaces for families to thrive. Our services include family support groups, stay & play sessions, young parents' programmes, Dadzclub, perinatal wellbeing sessions and community outreach. Everything we do is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a belief that all families deserve to feel connected, valued, and supported. We work closely with Family Hubs, local authorities, health services, and voluntary sector partners to ensure families can access the help they need without fear of judgement or barriers.
This new Family Support Worker post will play a key role in extending that support to families who might otherwise feel overlooked or excluded.
About the Role
We are seeking a compassionate, proactive Family Support Worker to join our team on the Isle of Wight. Based from our Parenting Hub at Quay Arts in Newport, this role will focus on supporting families who may be marginalised, isolated, or facing barriers in accessing universal services. You will work across Newport and wider community settings, helping parents and carers feel confident, connected, and included within local provision. As part of the role, you will facilitate and support engaging stay and play sessions, creating welcoming environments where children can learn through play and parents can build confidence, friendships, and support networks. You will also take the lead in delivering our Young Mums Project, providing targeted support and opportunities for young mothers to build confidence, develop peer relationships, and access the support they need to thrive. The postholder will undertake outreach work within St Mary's Hospital and other community settings, promoting and facilitating our Baby Steps programme for expectant and new parents. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting families who have experienced birth complications, neonatal care (NICU) admissions, or other challenging early parenting experiences. You will build positive relationships with parents and professionals, encourage participation, and help families access compassionate, evidence-informed support during the transition to parenthood. You will provide practical and emotional support to families, signpost to relevant services, and help strengthen community connections across the Isle of Wight. The role is hands-on, relationship-centred, and ideal for someone who is passionate about early help, community development, family engagement, and improving outcomes for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver weekly stay and play group sessions for parents and carers, creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that build confidence and connection.
- Provide one-to-one support meetings, offering a triage service to explore individual needs and signpost families towards appropriate services.
- Facilitate additional community-based groups, workshops, and activities designed to reduce isolation and improve engagement with universal services.
- Carry out outreach in the community, pop-up sessions, and partnership-based delivery.
- Support families to access universal provision, including Family Hubs, early years services, health appointments, community activities, and wider support networks.
- Build trust and positive relationships with families who may be isolated, marginalised, or facing barriers to engagement.
- Work alongside volunteers, supporting their involvement in community sessions where appropriate.
- Represent the organisation at local events, partner meetings, and professional forums across the Isle of Wight.
- Act as a liaison for local professionals and services, including Family Hubs, early help teams, health visitors, and voluntary sector partners.
- Collaborate closely with the wider Parenting Network teams to ensure joined‑up practice.
- Attend relevant training and contribute to reflective practice sessions.
- Maintain accurate records, tracking attendance, engagement, progress, and outcomes.
- Support basic budget tracking where required using simple digital tools.
- Provide additional support as required by the Senior Coordinator or Programme Lead.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the purpose of the role.
Person Specification
- Be warm, tenacious, and confident working independently across community settings.
- Communicate naturally and effectively with adults, children, and professionals.
- Have experience supporting families, particularly those facing disadvantage or exclusion.
- Be confident planning and delivering fun, inclusive group sessions as well as 1–1 support.
- Have a strong understanding of the challenges facing marginalised families in the local community.
- Be skilled in building professional partnerships and maintaining positive working relationships.
- Be comfortable with outreach, including meeting families in their homes and community spaces.
- Uphold the highest standards in safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, and confidentiality.
- Thrive as part of a small, passionate, values-led team.
- Be available for occasional weekend or evening delivery when required.
Essential Requirements
- Relevant experience supporting families or communities in a paid or voluntary capacity.
- Ability to travel across the Isle of Wight to deliver outreach and community sessions.
- Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Family Support Worker in Portsmouth employer: The Parenting Network
The Parenting Network is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Family Support Workers. Located in the heart of Newport on the Isle of Wight, employees benefit from a strong community focus, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on families' lives. With a values-led culture that prioritises compassion and collaboration, team members are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to vital community services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the community and let them know you're on the hunt for a Family Support Worker role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events! Attend community gatherings or workshops related to family support. This not only shows your commitment but also helps you meet potential employers and learn more about the needs of families in your area.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting families. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting families and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Family Support Worker role. Mention specific examples of how you've supported families or communities in the past.
Show Your Compassion:This role is all about empathy and support. Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by families, especially those who are marginalised or isolated. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your compassionate approach.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Parenting Network
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research The Parenting Network. Understand their values, mission, and the specific programmes they offer. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience supporting families, especially those facing challenges. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in building relationships, facilitating group sessions, and providing one-to-one support. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Compassion and Empathy
As a Family Support Worker, compassion is key. Think of scenarios where you've had to show empathy or understanding towards families in difficult situations. Be prepared to share these experiences during the interview to illustrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of families you’ll be working with, or how success is measured in this role. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute.
