Family Support Worker (Family Help) South Locality

Position Overview

We are looking for a compassionate Family Support Worker to join our team in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. The role involves working closely with vulnerable children, young people, and their families across multiple environments such as homes, schools, and community settings. You will deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions including support for children with special educational needs, physical disabilities, and life-limiting conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide personalized support using restorative and relationship-based practices to vulnerable families and children.
• Manage a complex caseload by conducting Family Help Assessments (including Section 17), developing SMART objectives, and leading review meetings at Targeted Early Help or Child in Need levels.
• Coordinate multi-agency support, make referrals adhering to local thresholds, and ensure interventions are timely and effective.
• Conduct safeguarding duties, specialized assessments such as for Young Carers, and advocate for children and families to have their voices heard.
• Deliver parenting programs, engage family networks, and support access to education, positive activities, and relevant services for children and young people with additional needs.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, reporting, and data management while contributing to multidisciplinary meetings and court processes when necessary.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a Level 4 or higher qualification in health, education, child development, youth work, social care, or a related discipline.
• Experienced in working with children, young people, and families within social care and Early Help frameworks, including lone working.
• Skilled in managing complex caseloads and leading multi-agency collaboration to achieve positive family outcomes.
• Knowledgeable in evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing and solution-focused practice; experience delivering parenting programs (e.g., Triple P, Solihull) is beneficial.
• Capacity to build trusting relationships, ensure child-centered advocacy, and effectively chair multi-agency meetings.
• Strong communication, organizational, and IT skills with the ability to prioritize workloads independently and collaboratively.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures with the ability to identify and manage risks including exploitation and complex needs.
• Motivated, adaptable, resilient, flexible with working hours including evenings and weekends, and able to travel across the county with access to personal transport.

Employment Details and Benefits

• Permanent part-time position offering 22.5 hours per week.
• Salary band HC07: £32,061 - £36,363 annually (£19,497 - £22,112 pro rata).
• Generous holiday entitlement of 31 days pro rata plus bank holidays, plus option to purchase an additional 10 days annually during the request period.
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Career growth opportunities with protected time and budget for professional development.
• Flexible working options including job-sharing and agile working arrangements.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support and counseling.
• Coverage for professional membership fees where applicable.
• Additional benefits such as discounts and savings on retail, leisure, holiday, and health products.

Inclusion and Additional Information

Our recruitment is committed to reasonable adjustments to ensure an inclusive process for applicants with disabilities or specific needs. Candidates identifying as veterans, reservists, or Herefordshire care leavers are given interview priority if meeting essential criteria. Employment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and relevant pre-employment clearances. We promote an inclusive workplace culture with multiple employee network groups supporting diversity and empowerment.