Family Worker

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council UK is recruiting a Family Worker (G8) to support children and young people aged 0-25 with developmental and physical needs, including neurodivergence. You will lead interventions, coordinate Care Act tasks, and work within Children Act and 2014 guidance to improve family functioning and outcomes.

You will complete assessments and plans, link with CYPCC, and contribute to multi-disciplinary responses, including possible Adult Services collaboration as required.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering family support interventions and plans.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Ability to travel across the service area as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead work with families with complex needs to build resilience.
• Complete Child and Family Assessments, and Child/Family Plans and Reviews.
• Deliver Preparation for Adulthood Plans and coordinate related actions.
• Work within CiN and Early Help frameworks and liaise with CYPCC.

Skills

Communication

Assessment

Report-writing

Relationship-building

Independent working

Education

Childcare qualification

Social care qualification

Youth work qualification

Education-related qualification

Job description

Family Worker (G8) - Birth to Settled Adulthood Service

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and motivated Family Worker (G8) to join our Birth to Settled Adulthood Service.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with children and young people aged 0-25 with a range of developmental and physical conditions, and those who are neurodivergent, supporting them to achieve their full potential in everyday activities.

As a Family Worker, you will take a lead role in supporting families with complex needs, helping them to build resilience, improve family functioning, and achieve sustainable positive change. The key focus of the role is working within children's social care legislation, particularly the Children Act 1989 and Children and Families Act 2014 incorporating Parent/Carer Assessments in relation to specialist short breaks, and undertaking Child in Need (CiN) and Early Help work.

You will provide direct interventions and coordinate support plans through completing Child and Family Assessments, Child and Family Plans and Reviews, Preparation for Adulthood Plans, linking with CYPCC, and working within appropriate frameworks. Whilst the primary focus is on CiN and Early Help, you may also be required to undertake direct work with children, young people, and families who are supported through Child Protection Plans.

We have two localities available: Weymouth and Portland (Chesil), and Dorchester and West. Please specify your preferred area on your application form. Both localities are based out of Dorchester.

Your role will include completing Preparation for Adulthood Plans with young people and their families/carers. A Preparation for Adulthood Plan focuses on how a young person is developing their independence. You will offer information, advice, and guidance to support this process and inform the plan.

You may also be required to complete adult Care Act assessments and undertake other adult social care activities, including Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interests decisions.

Much of our work is multi-disciplinary and requires a coordinated response between services. This includes working alongside Health, Children and Young People's Continuing Care, SEN Case Workers, specialist schools, and other clinical and therapeutic practitioners. We also work closely with colleagues in Adult Services to ensure young people are supported to transition successfully into adulthood.

The cohort of young people we work with requires exceptional skills, including the ability to work with pre-verbal children and children who use AAC, alongside undertaking direct work using tools such as PEIC-D.

This role is full-time at 37 hours per week.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working directly with children, young people, and families.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of safeguarding, child development, and family support interventions.
• Has experience of working with families facing issues such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health difficulties, school attendance concerns, and parenting challenges.
• Is confident in building effective professional relationships and engaging families who may be difficult to engage.
• Has excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Can work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team environment.
• Is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Childcare, Family Support, Youth Work, Social Care, Education, or a related field.
• Experience of delivering family support interventions.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice.
• Ability to travel across the service area as required.