Support Worker – Family Time and Support Service – North (Colchester)

About The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Support Worker to join the Family Time and Support Service in North Colchester. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary range of £26,284 to £33,256 annually and requires working primarily onsite. The role emphasizes providing safe and meaningful family time for children in care and supporting vulnerable families through targeted interventions alongside qualified social workers.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate and supervise family time for children in care according to care plans, ensuring their safety and meaningful interaction.
• Assist social workers in implementing and monitoring care plans, including preparing reports when needed.
• Maintain exemplary professional standards contributing to ongoing service improvement.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and contribute to safeguarding plans for children.
• Cultivate strong, effective relationships with children, young people, and their families, offering practical advice and support tailored to their needs.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to enhance outcomes for service users.
• Provide guidance regarding accessing relevant third-party services such as housing, benefits, and immigration support.
• Participate in meetings, case conferences, reviews, and court proceedings to offer insights, evidence, and comprehensive reports.
• Work towards defined individual and team targets outlined in the performance management framework.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications at NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent experience in social care or related settings.
• Proven commitment to professional development with strong knowledge relevant to social care work.
• Experience fostering positive relationships with families during challenging or crisis situations.
• Competence in observing and reporting on family time sessions.
• Experience delivering direct, activity-focused support to children and families.
• Understanding of the social and legislative issues affecting children, young people, and families requiring support.
• Familiarity with social care legislation, policies, and collaborative working with partner agencies.
• Desirable qualifications include First Aid certification and/or knowledge of Sign Language.

Additional Information

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job criteria. Veterans and care leavers meeting the role requirements will also be interviewed. The role requires mobility within Essex and surrounding areas, including transporting service users and their belongings; therefore, a driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative mobility means is essential.

Successful candidates must register with the DBS update service if required by the role. Essex County Council prioritizes safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults for all employees and volunteers.

Essex offers a rewarding work environment with opportunities for flexible working, career development, and an array of employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers.