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- Tasks: Support young people with learning difficulties and autism, bridging home and school.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plans, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, proactive individuals with strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values every voice and fosters growth.
The predicted salary is between 22653 - 23755 £ per year.
We are seeking a compassionate, proactive, and highly organised Family Support Worker to join our dedicated team in a specialist setting supporting young people aged 11–19 with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a vital role bridging home and school, helping families feel supported, understood, and empowered while ensuring pupils receive consistent, joined-up care that enables them to thrive.
The Role
As Family Support Worker, you will work closely with pupils, parents/carers, school staff, and external professionals to provide practical, emotional, and pastoral support. You will be a key point of contact for families, helping them navigate challenges and access appropriate services.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a liaison between home and school, building trusting relationships with families
- Provide advice, guidance, and practical support to parents/carers
- Support families with attendance, behaviour, routines, and transitions
- Signpost and coordinate with external agencies and services
- Contribute to safeguarding, wellbeing, and pastoral care plans
- Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings and reviews
- Support pupils during key transition points (e.g. moving to post-16 provision)
- Deliver workshops, coffee mornings, or support sessions for families where appropriate
- Maintain accurate records and case notes in line with school procedures
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.
Employee Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment. An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
Family Support Worker employer: The Shaw Education Trust
Contact Detail:
The Shaw Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of family support work, whether it's through LinkedIn or local community events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to supporting families and young people with SLD and ASD. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Family Support Worker. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our amazing team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion: As a Family Support Worker, your empathy is key! Make sure to highlight any experiences where you've supported families or young people, especially those with learning difficulties or autism. We want to see your heart in action!
Be Organised: This role requires a lot of coordination between families, schools, and external agencies. Share examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects effectively. We love seeing that organisational flair!
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and align your skills and experiences with the responsibilities listed. Use similar language to show us you understand the role and its importance. It’s all about making that connection!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get you on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young people with severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about supporting families and young people. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your compassion and proactive approach. Think of situations where you've made a difference in someone's life, especially in challenging circumstances.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle specific situations, such as helping a family navigate school challenges or coordinating with external agencies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the support systems in place for staff, opportunities for professional development, or how the team collaborates to support families. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
