Child and Family Support Worker

Shared Services Partnership; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured EAP

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Hampshire County Council's Children’s Reception Team is seeking a dedicated Child and Family Support Worker to act as the front door to Children's Services in a fast-paced contact centre environment.

You will support vulnerable children, young people and families, gather information, and contribute to safeguarding decisions in collaboration with professionals and partner agencies, across a hybrid role based at Havant.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children, young people and families in a helping, caring or support-based role, including those with complex needs.
• Understanding of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage sensitive conversations confidently.
• Ability to organise information, identify key issues and exercise sound judgement when reviewing referrals and enquiries.
• Sound IT skills and the ability to accurately record information.

Responsibilities

• Receive and respond to referrals, enquiries and requests for support from professionals, families and members of the public.
• Gather, review and accurately record information to support screening, decision-making and recommendations.
• Use a child-centred approach to identify and analyse strengths, needs and potential risks, making sound recommendations in line with safeguarding procedures and threshold guidance.
• Build effective relationships with families, colleagues and partner agencies to support positive outcomes and timely access to services.
• Provide a professional, responsive service, maintaining accurate records and working in line with organisational policies and professional standards.

Job description

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Child and Family Support Worker

Job Reference: HCC624558 Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 per annum Work Location: Public Service Plaza, Havant (Hybrid Working) Hours per week: 37 Contract Type: Permanent and Temporary (18 months) Closing Date: 4 November 2026

The Role:

As a Child and Family Support Worker, you'll play a vital role within Hampshire County Council's Children's Reception Team, the front door to Children's Services. Working in a fast-paced contact centre environment, you'll help ensure vulnerable children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time. By working closely with families, professionals and partner agencies, you'll contribute to informed decision‑making that helps improve outcomes for children and families across Hampshire.

What you’ll do:

• Receive and respond to referrals, enquiries and requests for support from professionals, families and members of the public.
• Gather, review and accurately record information to support screening, decision‑making and recommendations.
• Use a child‑centred approach to identify and analyse strengths, needs and potential risks, making sound recommendations in line with safeguarding procedures and threshold guidance.
• Build effective relationships with families, colleagues and partner agencies to support positive outcomes and timely access to services.
• Provide a professional, responsive service, maintaining accurate records and working in line with organisational policies and professional standards.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience of working with children, young people and families in a helping, caring or support‑based role, including those with complex needs.
• Understanding of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage sensitive conversations confidently.
• Ability to organise information, identify key issues and exercise sound judgement when reviewing referrals and enquiries.
• Sound IT skills and the ability to accurately record information.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Child and Family Support Worker role, team and our values. The ‘About you’ section 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.

• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families by supporting timely decision‑making and positive outcomes.
• Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to professional development, high‑quality practice and continuous learning.
• 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.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here .

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, therefore the advert may close early.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other job titles you may be searching for include: Family Support Worker, Children's Services Support Worker, Children's Advice and Referral Worker, Children and Families Practitioner, Early Help Worker, Children's Contact and Referral Worker.

Travel Requirements:

You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire, and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.

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:

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.