Family Support Worker

Surrey County Council; South Yorkshire, Reigate, Reigate and Banstead; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a compassionate Family Support Worker to join their South East Children Looked After Team. This rewarding role involves supporting children in care and their families through collaboration with various partners. You will be instrumental in helping children reach their potential while receiving ongoing training and support. With a hybrid working model, you will enjoy a balance of office and remote work. The organization offers generous benefits, including extensive leave options and a commitment to professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children.

Benefits

26 days' holiday

Option to buy additional leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Carer's leave

Generous pension

Lifestyle discounts

Paid volunteering days

Learning and development resources

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families.
• Understanding of The Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act (2014).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with partners to support children in care.
• Direct work with children and their families.

Skills

Teamwork

Child Development

Legislation Knowledge

Caseload Management

Education

Vocational Qualifications Level 3/4

Job description

Description

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this permanent position is £32,512 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

We are pleased to offer a great opportunity to join Surrey County Council's South East Children Looked After Team as a Family Support Worker, based in Reigate. This role supports hybrid working, meaning you are not required in the office 5 days a week. In support of our people and greener futures strategies, we welcome discussions on what remote working may look like for you.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• Extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supporting health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption, and dependents leave
• Generous local government salary-related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping, and more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development resources via our hub

About the Role

As part of the team, you will collaborate with partners, agencies, and the voluntary sector to support children in care and their families. This challenging yet rewarding role includes training, full induction, and monthly supervision to support your professional growth. You will work alongside Social Workers, supporting children, their carers, and other agencies, focusing on helping children reach their potential. Direct work with children and their carers, along with partnership engagement, will be key aspects of your role.

This role is varied, impactful, and essential to social well-being.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered, your application must clearly demonstrate:

• Vocational Qualifications Level 3/4 or equivalent, with experience working with children and families
• Understanding of legislation such as The Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act (2014)
• A commitment to improving children's lives
• Ability to plan, manage, and prioritize a caseload
• Effective and flexible team working, with willingness to mentor less experienced staff
• Tenacity in driving positive change for families and children

Contact Us

For questions about the role, flexible working, transferable skills, or barriers to employment, contact Vrushali Pendharkar via email. The application deadline is 23:59 on 28th May 2025, with interviews to follow.

Applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and Children's and Adults' Barred List checks.

Our Values

Our values shape who we are. Learn more about our values.

Our Commitment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview is available for disabled applicants who meet the role's minimum criteria and disclose their disability. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application and interview process.

We strive to be an inclusive employer reflecting our community and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.