Family Worker in Oldham

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Family Worker to join a dedicated Family Support service, working intensively with children and families experiencing complex and challenging circumstances. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled family support professional who is passionate about helping families achieve positive, sustainable change. You will work in partnership with families to build trusting relationships, identify strengths and challenges, develop tailored support plans and deliver interventions that improve outcomes for children and young people.

You will hold an allocated caseload and take responsibility for coordinating support from a range of professionals and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an allocated caseload of families with multiple and complex needs.
• Act as the Lead Professional, coordinating multi-agency support and chairing Team Around the Family meetings.
• Complete comprehensive assessments to identify family strengths, risks, needs and desired outcomes.
• Develop and implement bespoke, strength-based support plans with families.
• Deliver direct interventions with children, young people, parents and families, both individually and in groups.
• Support families to develop independence, resilience, parenting skills and sustainable coping strategies.
• Work alongside social care, education, health, police, voluntary sector and other professionals.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings and relevant safeguarding processes.
• Advocate for children and families where appropriate and provide professional challenge where necessary.
• Use creative and person-centred approaches to understand children's lived experiences and improve their wellbeing.
• Where required, undertake supervised contact, rehabilitation work and Life Story work.
• Prepare accurate assessments, case notes, reports and other professional records.
• Complete specialist assessments, including parenting assessments, which may be used as evidence in court.
• Attend court and provide professional evidence where required.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings and ongoing professional development.
• Support the development of less experienced colleagues and contribute to wider team learning.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services and resources available to children and families.

About You

You will have substantial experience of providing direct support to children and families with complex needs, including families who may be experiencing issues such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, offending, mental health difficulties or other significant challenges.

You will be confident in:

• Building positive relationships with children, parents and families who may be reluctant to engage with services.
• Undertaking assessments and analysing complex family circumstances.
• Developing and delivering evidence-based interventions.
• Leading and chairing multi-agency meetings.
• Developing and coordinating multi-agency plans.
• Managing challenging and emotionally charged situations.
• Working independently while effectively managing competing priorities.
• Maintaining accurate electronic case records and professional documentation.
• Working collaboratively with professionals across different agencies.

Essential Requirements

• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification in a relevant area such as Childcare, Health and Social Care, or substantial equivalent experience.
• Significant experience working directly with children and families with complex needs.
• Experience of completing assessments and developing bespoke intervention plans.
• Experience of working with families who may be resistant to or reliant on services.
• Experience of multi-agency working and coordinating professional support.
• Experience of chairing multi-agency meetings and developing support plans.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent understanding of child and adolescent development and the impact of adversity.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
• Understanding of data protection and information governance.
• Resilience, empathy and persistence when working with complex family circumstances.
• Ability to travel between different locations as required.
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours occasionally when required.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and families while working as part of a supportive, multi-agency service.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive hourly rate
• Dedicated recruitment consultant
• Fast and reliable payroll
• Free DBS and compliance support
• Support throughout your assignment
• Access to further opportunities within children's services
• Referral bonus for successful candidate recommendations

If you are an experienced Senior Family Worker, Family Support Worker, Family Practitioner or similar professional with a strong background in supporting children and families with complex needs, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or contact our team for further information.