Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC623292
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Havant Plaza, Havant (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
The Role:
As a Recurrent Care Proceedings Worker (Acorn Worker), you’ll play a key role in our specialist Acorn Service, supporting parents to break the cycle of repeated care proceedings and helping them work towards safer, more stable futures. Research shows that focused, early support not only improves outcomes for parents, but also significantly reduces the likelihood of further care proceedings - making the work you do genuinely life changing. Central to this is the relationship you build with parents, helping them find new ways to overcome past difficulties, face present challenges, and build a more positive future.
This is a varied and rewarding role where your work will directly contribute to improving outcomes for parents. You’ll provide support in their homes and communities, sometimes outside standard working hours – such as in the evening or on Saturdays. With the flexibility to adjust your working pattern and the support of your manager, you’ll be empowered to work creatively and responsively to meet each individual’s unique needs.
What you’ll do:
1. Provide intensive, tailored support to parents at risk of repeat child removals, helping them reflect on past experiences and address complex needs such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, and unhealthy relationship patterns.
2. Develop parents’ skills, confidence, resilience, and coping strategies to promote healthier behaviours, boundaries, and future decision making.
3. Support parents in accessing essential services including sexual health, contraception, specialist interventions, accommodation, and wider professional networks to improve stability and wellbeing.
4. Work collaboratively with parents to build support networks, set achievable future goals, and create a more positive and sustainable life.
What we’re looking for:
5. Experience working directly with parents and families, particularly those with complex needs.
6. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including mediation and negotiation.
7. Ability to work independently and use initiative within a supportive team environment.
8. Proficient IT skills and the ability to produce clear, structured written reports.
9. Commitment to inclusive, non-discriminatory practice.
Take a look at our for more information about the Recurrent Care Proceedings Worker (Acorn Worker) role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.
Why join us?
10. Be part of a supportive, multi-skilled team making a real difference in children’s lives.
11. Enjoy a varied role with opportunities for professional development and specialist training. Benefit from flexible working arrangements and a strong culture of supervision and support.
12. Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
13. Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information .
Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Other job titles you may be searching for: Intensive Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Parenting Support Worker, Children and Families Practitioner, Intensive Family Support Worker, Early Help Practitioner.
Travel Requirements:
You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
Additional Information:
Acorn Worker
Vetting Requirements:
The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
For general enquiries, please contact
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Nicole Brown, Hub Manager on
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.