Job Description
Post:Family Support Worker
Department:Children’s Services – Early Help & Prevention
Reports to:Family Support Team Leader
Location:Knowsley Council (various community settings, home visits, and office-based work)
Grade:NJC Scale (dependent on experience)
Job Purpose
To provide practical and emotional support to children, young people, and their families within Knowsley, helping them overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes. The Family Support Worker will deliver early help interventions, work in partnership with schools, health services, and other agencies, and promote safeguarding, wellbeing, and resilience in families.
Key Responsibilities
* Work directly with children, young people, and families to identify needs through assessment, develop support plans, and monitor progress.
* Provide early help and practical assistance to families facing challenges such as parenting, school attendance, housing, financial difficulties, and emotional wellbeing.
* Undertake home visits and work within community settings to build trusting, supportive relationships with families.
* Ensure the voice of the child and family is central to all support planning and decision-making.
* Deliver evidence-based parenting programmes and group work where appropriate.
* Work in partnership with social workers, schools, health professionals, voluntary sector services, and other partners to ensure coordinated support.
* Maintain accurate, timely records and reports in line with council policy and statutory requirements.
* Promote safeguarding and contribute to the protection of children by identifying risks and escalating concerns where necessary.
* Support families to access community resources, build resilience, and develop positive strategies for change.
* Contribute to service development and continuous improvement within Knowsley’s Early Help offer.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Experience of working with children, young people, and families in a support, education, or social care setting.
* Understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures, and responsibilities.
* Ability to assess family needs and create outcome-focused support plans.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and engage families.
* Knowledge of child development, parenting strategies, and the impact of adversity on families.
* Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and prioritise effectively.
* Flexibility to work across different community settings, including occasional evening and weekend work.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable Criteria
* Relevant qualification (e.g., Level 3/4 in Health and Social Care, Childcare, Youth Work, or equivalent).
* Experience of delivering group interventions, parenting programmes, or workshops.
* Knowledge of local services and community resources within Knowsley.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Additional Information
Knowsley Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Why work withWe do Social Work?
* New ‘Faster Pay’ service getting you paid more quickly
* Twice weekly payroll
* Free DBS and compliance service
* Your own dedicated friendly consultant with extensive social work knowledge
* Access to a wide selection of social work positions across the UK
Refer a friend
“Refer a Friend” bonus – get £250 for each social worker you refer who we successfully place*
“Find your own job” bonus – get £250 for bringing your own position to us*
We Do Social Workis an equal opportunities employer and is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Terms and conditions apply to our bonus schemes*
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