Overview
Family Support Worker (Maternity Cover up to 12 months) – Essex Care Team at Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of the Essex Care Team. This role reports to the Family Support Manager of the Essex Care Team and works in partnership with health, education and social care professionals. You will provide needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life-threatening or terminal illness.
Location: Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton and Chelmsford.
Closing date: 16 October 2025. Interview dates: Interview Date to be confirmed. Salary: £24,000 p.a. + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension).
What We’re Looking For
* An experienced child health, education or social care professional — applications welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care
* A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly
* Experienced with child protection, information sharing and data protection rules; able to lead by example within established guidelines
* Practical and people-oriented — able to work at a fast pace while maintaining accuracy; confident user of IT (including MS Office)
* A persuasive and open communicator — able to work collaboratively with the team and volunteers to deliver a high-quality service and support fundraising with case studies and family updates
* Practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and families; responsive to others’ needs and concerns
What We Offer
* Flexible working hours to balance home and work life
* Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy and mental health resources, plus a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand
* Company car for frontline care posts
* Generous leave: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising with service (to 30 days), with pro rata for part-time staff
* Time off in lieu
* Blue Light Card and other rewards and discounts
* Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes
* Recruitment bonus scheme
* Family-friendly policies and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation
* Pension with employer contribution of 5% and employee contribution of at least 3%
* Option to buy/sell annual leave and additional leave for birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and Christmas shopping
* Robust training and development to support learning and growth
We also provide access to the Candidate Pack and the Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, which supports staff training and development in line with Rainbow Trust’s strategic plan. The Family Support Teams have opportunities to complete diverse training courses in their first 12 months (e.g., Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, introduction to play).
Responsibilities & Requirements
* Deliver needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life-threatening or terminal illness
* Build supportive relationships in a stressful and emotional environment; provide bereavement support and understanding of grief, loss and change
* Collaborate with health, education and social care professionals to coordinate family support
* Contribute to fundraising efforts by documenting case studies and family updates
* Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and information sharing policies
Requirements
* A current full driving licence (required for flexible travel to cover team and family needs)
* Enhanced DBS disclosure
* Ability to work flexible hours as required by the role
How to Apply
Please complete an application form and send it to recruitment@rainbowtrust.org.uk. Please disclose on your application if you have used AI for any part of your job application. Interviews will take place at our Essex Care Team office with dates to be confirmed. We will only contact successful applicants. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know. Download the Application Form.
Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Rainbow Trust is going through an exciting time of growth to reach more families in need.
Apply Here
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