Family Support Worker

Barnardos; Larne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in Northern Ireland seeks a Family Support Worker to provide support to families and improve outcomes for young children. The ideal candidate will have experience working with young children and families, strong communication skills, and hold an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. This role offers flexible working and comprehensive benefits including pension and annual leave.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development or related field.
• Demonstrable experience of working with children 0-4 in a preschool setting.
• Relevant experience working directly with families and young children.

Responsibilities

• Providing support to families.
• Facilitating parenting programmes.
• Helping families navigate services.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience working with children 0-4

Knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Ability to engage sensitively

Education

Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development

Job description

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Family Support Worker

Location: Horizon Sure Start Larne

Contract: Funded until 30 June 2026 (may be extended subject to funding).

Hours: 16 hours per week Monday–Thursday, Friday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Term Time

Salary: £28,124.46 – £37,116.78 FTE (appointment is usually at the first point of the scale).

Are you passionate about supporting families and improving outcomes for young children? Join Horizon SureStart as a Family Support Worker and make a meaningful difference in your community.

We’re looking for a Project Worker 2 – Family Support Worker.

Responsibilities

• Providing support to families
• Facilitating parenting programmes
• Facilitating parent/child programmes
• Covering early years creche when needed
• Helping families navigate services and access the right support at the right time

Essential Criteria

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development or a related field, or a higher qualification (e.g. Degree in Early Childhood Studies).
• Demonstrable experience of working with children 0‑4 in a preschool setting.
• Relevant experience working directly with families and young children in a supportive role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and early intervention approaches.
• Hold a full UK driving licence, business insurance and access to a car for work purposes (this criterion will be waived for candidates with a disability who can demonstrate alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements).

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience delivering parenting programmes.

Benefits

• Barnardo’s belief in equality of opportunity and flexible working arrangements.
• Annual leave entitlement: 26 days per annum for full‑time colleagues, increasing to 27 days after 3 years, 29 days after 5 years and 30 days after 7 years; pro‑rata for part‑time.
• Option to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via HolidayPlus scheme.
• Family‑friendly leave options – maternity, paternity, adoption pay and additional leave.
• Service‑related sick pay from day 1.
• Group Personal Pension with Barnardo’s–matched 4 % or 6 % contribution.
• Death‑in‑service cover of 4× annual earnings for those in the pension scheme.
• Cycle2Work scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loans.
• Discounts and cashback via the Benefit Portal, including 20 % off Barnardo’s stores.
• Opportunities to purchase a health cash plan for dental, glasses, therapy, etc.
• 24‑hour employee assistance programme.
• Access to Barnardo’s Learning and Development offer.

Closing Date: Midnight, 20th November 2025

We encourage applications from under‑represented groups and provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For more details on eligibility and application process, please refer to the Additional Information Sheet.