Overview
As a Family Support Worker within the Post Adoption and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Support Team, you'll play a vital role in helping children and families thrive in their adoptive or SGO placements. You'll be part of a child-focused service that ensures children's welfare is safeguarded and carers are supported to provide safe, nurturing environments. You'll work flexibly across Northamptonshire, often visiting families in their homes and collaborating with professionals to support children in maintaining meaningful relationships through Staying in Touch arrangements. This role may require occasional evening and weekend work to meet the needs of the families you support.
Responsibilities
* Support the Staying in Touch process by preparing children and families with age-appropriate information and emotional guidance.
* Contribute to planning and implementing Staying in Touch plans, attending meetings and reviews, and working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals.
* Create digital materials (videos, photos, art) to support contact arrangements and provide practical and emotional support throughout.
* Maintain accurate case records using CHARMS and contribute written reports for both informal and formal settings.
* Assist social work colleagues in evaluating and planning work, and carry out corporate parenting activities for children with a plan for adoption.
* Continuously develop your skills and knowledge, challenge service provision where needed, and build strong partnerships with professionals and agencies.
* Work directly with children, young people, and their families to help rebuild and maintain important relationships.
Requirements
* GCSE-level education or equivalent (essential).
* Experience working with children and families, particularly in support roles.
* A relevant qualification in child development or a related field is desirable.
* Confident in using IT tools including Microsoft Word and Excel to produce clear reports, manage correspondence, and maintain accurate case records.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Children Act and Adoption and Children Act.
* The ability to work sensitively and professionally with diverse individuals and groups.
* This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.
About Northamptonshire Children's Trust
At Northamptonshire Children's Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils. Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed. At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria. Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
* We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.
* 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days after 5 years.
* Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
* Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured for you and your immediate family, 24/7, including counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
* Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
* Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits.
* A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team that empowers professional decisions.
* Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities.
* Subsidised town centre car parking scheme.
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