Family Support Worker

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council's Alfreton Park invites applications for a Family Support Worker to support families, promote early help, and collaborate with school and external agencies. The role includes DSL responsibilities within the safeguarding team.

We seek a compassionate professional with Level 3+ qualifications, safeguarding knowledge, and a driving licence to engage with families and contribute to positive pupil outcomes.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ qualification in childcare, education, health, social care, family support or related field.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection and statutory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Experience with school MIS systems or willingness to learn.
• Empathy, resilience and commitment to inclusion.
• Current driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted link between families, school staff and external professionals, ensuring families are supported and appropriately signposted.
• Provide targeted support to children and families where difficulties are impacting attendance, behaviour, wellbeing or learning.
• Lead and coordinate Early Help, child protection and multi-agency support as a key professional.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding concerns, including managing referrals, thresholds and supporting decision-making.
• Promote resilience, positive relationships and early intervention for pupils with SEND.
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed school culture.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Driving licence

Education

Level 3+ qualification in childcare/education/health/social care/family support

Tools

School MIS systems

Job description

Closing date: 01 November 2026

Alfreton Park is a lively, successful special school for pupils aged 2 to 19 with severe and profound learning difficulties. We are proud to be an inclusive, nurturing community where every child is known, valued and supported. We have a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils, and we expect every member of our team to share that commitment.

We are looking for a committed and compassionate Family Support Worker to join our pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our school community. You will be a key link between home, school and external agencies - working alongside families to remove barriers to learning, promote early help, and support positive outcomes for our pupils. You will also hold DSL responsibilities as part of our Designated Safeguarding Lead team, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted link between families, school staff and external professionals, ensuring families are supported and appropriately signposted
• Provide targeted support to children and families where difficulties are impacting attendance, behaviour, wellbeing or learning
• Lead and coordinate Early Help, child protection and multi-agency support as a key professional
• Take responsibility for safeguarding concerns, including managing referrals, thresholds and supporting decision-making
• Promote resilience, positive relationships and early intervention for pupils with SEND
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed school culture

What We're Looking For

• Level 3 or above qualification in childcare, education, health, social care, family support or a related field
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the statutory frameworks that underpin this work
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Confidence using school MIS systems, or a willingness to learn
• Empathy, resilience and a genuine commitment to inclusion
• A current driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Please note: references will be taken up prior to interview.

We warmly welcome visits to the school. To arrange a tour or for any further information, please contact:

Kim Knowles 01773 483330 [e-mail]

Provisional Interview Date: 11 November 2026