3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Family Support Worker – Children’s Social Care

Job Purpose

To contribute to the delivery of an effective Children’s Social Care Service, supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families to achieve positive outcomes. The post holder will provide practical, emotional, and social support, working closely with social workers and partner agencies to promote the safety, welfare, wellbeing, and development of children aged 0–25.

The role involves undertaking direct work with children and families, supporting care planning and assessments, identifying risks and safeguarding concerns, facilitating family contact, and contributing to child-centred interventions that empower families and promote resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Child and Family Support

• Provide practical, emotional, and social support to children, young people, and families.
  
• Undertake direct work with children and families in their homes and within the community.
  
• Assist in implementing Children in Need, Child Protection, Early Help, and Looked After Children plans.
  
• Promote positive outcomes through child-centred and family-led approaches.
  
• Support children and young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
  

Assessment and Care Planning

• Contribute to assessments, care planning, reviews, and interventions.
  
• Gather information and observations to assist social workers in assessing needs and risks.
  
• Support family-led planning and contribute towards achieving agreed outcomes.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all interventions and observations.
  

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and report risks to children and young people.
  
• Undertake home visits, welfare checks, and community-based support activities.
  
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed and escalated in line with legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Support social workers during Child Protection investigations, including Section 47 enquiries.
  

Family Contact and Relationship Building

• Facilitate and supervise contact sessions between children and birth family members as outlined within care plans.
  
• Provide transportation and practical support where required.
  
• Build positive relationships with children, young people, and families to promote engagement and trust.
  

Crisis Intervention and Emergency Support

• Respond to urgent situations to help keep children safely within their family environment whenever possible.
  
• Provide emergency and crisis interventions, including practical support with immediate needs such as shopping, fuel, and household essentials.
  
• Where required, participate in emergency support arrangements to prevent family breakdown.
  

Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies, including:
  
• Health Services
  
• Education Providers
  
• Police
  
• Housing Services
  
• Voluntary and Community Organisations
  
• Faith Groups
  
• Make referrals and signpost families to relevant services and support networks.
  

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, high-quality case records on the local authority’s case management systems.
  
• Prepare reports, records, and documentation as required.
  
• Provide administrative and practical support to qualified social workers.
  
• Attend supervision sessions, team meetings, and performance reviews.
  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Promote inclusive practice and equality of opportunity.
  
• Respect and support the diversity, identity, culture, and beliefs of children, young people, and families.
  
• Challenge discrimination and inappropriate practice when identified.
  

Essential Experience

• Experience working with children, young people, and families in a support, safeguarding, education, health, or social care environment.
  
• Experience supporting vulnerable children and families with complex needs.
  
• Experience conducting home visits and community-based interventions.
  
• Experience working within a multi-agency environment.
  
• Experience maintaining accurate records and case notes.
  
• Understanding of child development and family dynamics.
  

Desirable Experience

• Experience within Children's Social Care.
  
• Experience supporting Children in Need, Child Protection, or Looked After Children.
  
• Experience facilitating supervised family contact.
  
• Experience supporting court-related work and safeguarding investigations.
  
• Local Authority experience.
  

Essential Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People's Services, Family Support, Early Years, Youth Work, or equivalent relevant qualification.
  

Desirable Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 or higher in a relevant discipline.
  
• Degree in Social Work, Youth Work, Education, Psychology, Social Care, or related subject.
  
• Safeguarding Children Training.
  
• Child Protection Training.
  
• First Aid Qualification.
  

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Understanding of child development and attachment theory.
  
• Knowledge of Children in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children processes.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
  
• Ability to identify and manage risk appropriately.
  
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  
• Competent IT skills and experience using case management systems.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Trinity Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3NJ, United Kingdom
  
• Limited Company/Umbrella Rate: £22.68 per hour
  
• Working Hours: 36 hours per week
  
• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly
  
• Start Date: Immediate start available
  
• Working Pattern: Hybrid working arrangement
  
• Enhanced DBS Check: Required
  
• Regular Supervision and Support: Provided
  
• Closing Date: Recruitment closing soon – early applications are encouraged.