Children & Family Support Worker (Supervised Family Time Team)

Essex County Counci; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Essex County Council as a Children & Family Support Worker in the Supervised Family Time Team, where you will foster connections between children and their families. This dynamic role focuses on providing a safe environment during family interactions, requiring collaboration with social workers and strong relationship-building skills. With a competitive salary and commitment to professional development, this role is critical to enhancing the welfare and development of children in care.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Support for unpaid carers

Commitment to inclusive hiring

Qualifications

• Experienced in building relationships with children and families during challenging times.
• Knowledge of issues impacting children, young people, and families requiring support.
• First Aid certification and/or Sign Language skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and facilitate family time sessions for children in care.
• Collaborate with social workers to deliver tailored support.
• Maintain accurate records and report writing in accordance with policies.

Skills

Relationship Building

Understanding of Child Development

Communication

Advocacy

Education

RQF Level 3 (A Level/NVQ/BTEC) or equivalent experience

Job description

Children & Family Support Worker (Supervised Family Time Team)

Permanent, Full Time

£25,395 to £32,131 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Operational field-based worker

Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us, having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.

The Opportunity

The role of a Child and Family Support Worker in the Supervised Family Time service is vital for fostering positive connections between children in care and their birth families. This position involves supervising and facilitating family time sessions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Collaboration with social workers is essential to deliver tailored support that addresses the unique needs of each child and their family, aiding in assessments and case planning.

Supervised activities can range from practical assistance to emotional guidance, promoting the overall well-being and development of children and young people. The role also requires teamwork across various services, such as family support, fostering, and working with children with disabilities. Given the complexity and emotional demands of the job, a strong commitment, resilience, and a compassionate approach are crucial for success in this role.

Accountabilities

• Support social work teams to organise and facilitate supervised family time for children and families.
• Build strong, effective relationships with the child, young person, and family, supporting relationship and strengths-based social work practice. Maintain high standards of professionalism to foster confidence in Children’s Social Care.
• Highlight issues and implement plans to safeguard a child.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with internal and external professional partner agencies (e.g., Social Workers, Schools, Health, Guardians) to gather accurate information informing assessments and decisions.
• Provide information and advice regarding involvement/accessing third-party agencies relevant to the needs of the child, young person, and family, acting as an advocate when necessary.
• Contribute to meetings, reviews, case conferences, and court hearings to provide understanding of the child’s needs.
• Ensure accurate report writing in accordance with Children & Families policies, including case records on Mosaic.
• Work collaboratively across the service with internal and external agencies to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Deliver support as per the plan, with measurable impact, normally time-limited, and coordinated with the case-holding Social Worker.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential:

• Educated to RQF Level 3 (A Level/NVQ/BTEC) or equivalent experience.
• Experience building strong relationships with children and families during challenging times.
• Understanding of child development and play-based activities.
• Knowledge of issues impacting children, young people, and families requiring support.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Children’s Act 1989 and 2004, and other relevant legislation and policies.
• Experience working with partners and external agencies.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and expertise in relevant areas.
• First Aid certification and/or Sign Language skills.

This role requires mobility across Essex and beyond, including travel and transporting service users. A driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.

To read more about us, visit: Children & Families

Watch our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video

Why Essex?

As a leading UK local authority, Essex offers a dynamic environment with flexible working options and a focus on innovation. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and better service delivery. Recognised in the top three for productivity, everyone matters in Everyone's Essex.

In February 2025, Greater Essex joined the Government’s devolution programme, working towards a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. Learn more about devolution and LGR on our careers site.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and committed to inclusive hiring, including for disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers. We offer employee benefits like support for unpaid carers and flexible working.

We value integrity and ethical behaviour. Please embrace our Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process to help us maintain a positive workplace.

If your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service. More info at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Join The Essex Talent Community to stay updated on opportunities, news, and events. For queries, contact [e-mail].

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. More details on our careers page.

Downloads

Pay and Reward | Our Ways of Working | About Us | Organisation Behaviours