By Sophie Payne
In this blog, you will learn:
What a Family Support Worker is.
What the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker are.
What qualifications a Family Support Worker needs.
What skills a Family Support Worker needs.
Who employs a Family Support Worker.
The average salary of a Family Support Worker.
Where the latest Family Support Worker jobs are and how to apply for them.
What is the role of a Family Support Worker?
A Family Support Worker offers short or long term assistance to families experiencing hardship, either in the home or in the community.
This can be either practical or emotional, often employed or working alongside Local Authority, social services departments or within charitable organisations. As a Family Support Worker your duties would vary depending on the particular needs of the family.
What are the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker?
While working as a Family Support Worker, you will be required to:
Work with colleagues, other health and social care professionals, social workers and other agency networks to assess case by case workloads and evaluate action needed.
Offer practical and emotional support to parents and their families either in the community or at home.
Build up knowledge and understanding of local services and resources to support families.
Build a trusting relationship with young people and families.
Carry out assessments and identify support needed.
Manage your own workload, administration and diary commitments
Mentor, coach and motivate families on a case by case basis.
Write clear and accurate reports, keeping them up to date.
Adhere to legislation and standards for diversity, confidentiality and equality.
Recommend a variety of community resources for families to use.
Care for children and adults.
Attend meetings, conferences and training sessions as requested.
What qualifications does a Family Support Worker need?
To work as a Family Support Worker, most employers will require at least a level 3 qualification in one of the following; childcare, social work, health and social care, counselling, youth work or education. Relevant work experience with young people, children and families will also aid your application.
When working with children and vulnerable adults, you will also need the completion of a full disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
A driving licence is often useful as you may be expected to work over evenings, weekends and bank holidays; however it is not essential to the role.
What skills does a Family Support Worker need?
Key skills of a Family Support Worker include:
Active listening and a non judgemental manner.
The ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
Self motivated.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathy and compassion.
Understand the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
Flexible and adaptable.
Work well under pressure.
Assessing the needs of others.
Patience.
Desire to help others.
Counselling and coaching.
Ability to carry out basic tasks using computers.
Organisation and effective time management.
Pay attention to detail.
Who employs a Family Support Worker?
The role of a Family Support Worker is usually employed by a Local Authority, social services or charities. This can be in a variety of settings including schools, family health centres or in families homes.
They are either assigned to a family by self referral or referral from one of the above agencies.
Average salary of a Family Support Worker
The average salary of a Family Support Worker in the UK is between £24,000 to £36,000 per year but this can vary depending on several factors such as the location, level of experience, and the specific Local Authority.