Family Help Officer

Local Government Chronicle; West Bridgford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking a Family Help Officer to support children and families within the Children and Families Department. The role focuses on safeguarding, assessing needs, and coordinating support from partner agencies in a strengths-based approach.

Location: West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. In this permanent position you will handle referrals, assess risks, plan safety measures, and work with professionals to provide timely help while maintaining detailed case records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Children's Social Care, Early Help Services, or Customer Services.
• Good general education, ideally up to NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance affecting children and families.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and make informed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Receive and triage referrals from professionals, families, and the public regarding child protection and safeguarding.
• Assess needs and risks of children and families, considering available support options.
• Develop and implement safety planning to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable children.
• Adopt a strengths-based approach, recognizing and building on family strengths and support networks.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary professionals to provide timely and effective support.
• Maintain accurate records to track progress and services delivered.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Family Help Officer

Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Rooted in community, we strive to provide a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Join us in our mission to ensure that every child receives the care and the support they deserve.

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

In This Role, You Will

• Receive and Triage Referrals: Handle referrals from professionals, families, and the public regarding child protection and safeguarding.
• Assess Needs and Risks: Identify the needs of children and families, considering support options and making informed decisions.
• Safety Planning: Assess risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the safety of children and families.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Recognise and build on the strengths of families and their support networks.
• Collaborate with Professionals: Work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to provide timely and effective support.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records to track and monitor the progress of children and families through services.

To Succeed In This Role, You Should Have

• A minimum of2 years' experiencein Children's Social Care, Early Help Services, or Customer Services.
• A good general education, ideally toNVQ level 3or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance affecting children and families.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and make informed decisions.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Demonstrate

• Professional Curiosity: A desire to understand the complexities of family situations.
• Excellent Communication: The ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.
• Team Collaboration: A commitment to working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and respond to changing needs.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer

• A Place to Belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career advancement.
• Flexible Working: A supportive environment that promotes work-life balance.
• Generous Leave: A competitive leave package to ensure your well-being.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.

Location: West Bridgford, Nottingham, UK

Contract: Permanent

Published on 28 Oct 2026