About the role
We are seeking committed and skilled Family Workers to join our Birth to Settled Adulthood service, working with children and young people aged 0–25 with disabilities and their families. We support children with a range of needs from Early Help through to Child Protection; you could be supporting at any stage of their journey either as lead practitioner or supporting the work of Social Workers at Child Protection. This will involve direct working with children and families; creating, supporting, and contributing to multi‑agency plans and interventions to improve outcomes and life chances for children and young people in Dorset. You will undertake intensive short to medium‑term work with families, working creatively and collaboratively to address identified needs, reduce risks, and strengthen family capacity.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver direct work with children, young people, parents, and families in the family home and other community locations.
- Provide information, advice, and guidance to children, young people, and families.
- Work in partnership with multi‑agency professionals, including social workers, health, education, social care, and voluntary sector colleagues.
- Co‑work cases and contribute to joint assessments, planning, and interventions.
- Assess parenting capacity and support families to develop safe, nurturing physical and emotional care through practical, strengths‑based activities.
- Deliver targeted parenting and behaviour management interventions to children and families.
- Support families through statutory child protection processes.
- Coach, mentor, and motivate families to achieve and sustain positive change.
- Chair Child and Family Plan reviews and Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings, ensuring clear outcomes and that the child’s voice remains central.
- Actively advocate for children and young people with disabilities, ensuring their needs, wishes, and rights are represented across services.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of local services and make appropriate referrals to meet identified needs.
- Complete high‑quality assessments, plans, reviews, and case recordings in line with local policies and statutory guidance.
- Contribute to improved outcomes for children and families by addressing barriers related to disability, care needs, and family circumstances.
- Participate in a monthly duty rota (typically one day per month).
- Attend and contribute to service and team meetings, supporting reflective practice and service development.
What We’re Looking For
- Ideally you will have experience of working with children with disabilities and their families, ideally within Early Help, CiN, or family support services.
- Confidence in chairing meetings and coordinating multi‑agency plans.
- Understanding of Early Help, Child in Need processes, and multi‑agency working.
- Ability to build positive, empowering relationships with children, young people, and families.
- Strong organisational, communication, and report‑writing skills.
- A commitment to child‑centred, inclusive, and strengths‑based practice.
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet service and family needs.
What We Offer
- Supportive management and a welcoming, experienced team.
- Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice.
- Access to training and professional development.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people, and families.
Additional Information
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Due to the geographical nature of the area, you will be required to have access to your own car or transport deemed suitable to carry out the role.
This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.
This role is UK‑based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
