JOB PROFILE
What Is a Family Support Worker?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What does a Family Support Worker do?
- What are the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker?
- How to become a Family Support Worker
- What is the average salary of a Family Support Worker?
- Who employs a Family Support Worker?
- What are the progression opportunities for a Family Support Worker?
- What makes a good Family Support Worker?
- Where are the latest Family Support Worker jobs and how to apply for them?
What Is a Family Support Worker?
A Family Support Worker offers both practical and emotional assistance on a short- or long-term basis to families experiencing hardship, either at home or in the community. They are often employed or working alongside Local Authorities, social services departments or within charitable organisations.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Family Support Worker?
As a Family Support Worker, your duties would vary depending on the particular needs of the family. Typically they 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.
The main responsibilities of a Family Support Worker include:
- Offering practical and emotional support to parents and their families.
- Building up knowledge of local services and resources to support families.
- Building trusting relationships with young people and families.
- Carrying out assessments and identifying support needed.
- Managing workload, administration, and diary commitments.
- Mentoring, coaching, and motivating families on a case-by-case basis.
- Writing clear and accurate reports, keeping them up to date.
- Adhering to legislation and standards for diversity, confidentiality, and equality.
- Caring for children and adults.
- Attending meetings, conferences, and training sessions as requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do Family Support Workers 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 Is the Average Salary of a Family Support Worker?
The average salary of a Family Support Worker in the UK is between £18,000 to £30,000 per year but this can vary depending on several factors such as the location, level of experience, and the specific Local Authority.
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.
How To Become a Family Support Worker
To become 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 Are the Progression Opportunities for a Family Support Worker?
With experience, a Family Support Worker may progress to lead a team of Family Support Workers or specialise in a specific area, such as working with people with disabilities or working as a Child Support Worker.
What Makes a Good Family Support Worker?
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.
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