Family Worker - Family Help Team

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Reading seeks an L3 qualified childcare practitioner for a 12-month maternity cover position. You'll work within a dynamic team to provide effective family support interventions and ensure children's voices are heard. Ideal candidates will have a passion for childcare and experience in delivering support in family settings.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

On-site day nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance at three times annual salary

Season ticket loan to help with transport costs

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• A vibrant and enthusiastic childcare practitioner is needed.
• You must be L3 qualified or have equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the family help team providing family support.
• Ensure the voice of children is represented.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions effectively.

Skills

Childcare experience

Effective family support

Collaboration with partners

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Overview

12 months Maternity Cover

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for you to be part of our team in Reading Children’s Centre. You will work alongside the Centre Coordinator, Family Workers, Family Group Workers and professional partners including Health and Education.

Who we are looking for

A vibrant and enthusiastic L3 qualified childcare practitioner or equivalent, to join our multi-skilled friendly Children’s Centres and Family Help teams (Hub).

What will you do?

You will be required to work as part of the family help team providing effective and high-quality family support interventions likely in the family home. You will work and support a caseload of families to achieve positive outcomes.

Role Responsibilities

• Ensure that the voice and views of all children are sought, heard and represented appropriately.
• To work with the whole family and partners to assess the needs within the household and acknowledge those of the extended family and wider networks.
• To deliver timed and evidence-based interventions with families including direct work with children and young people.
• To adopt a key worker/lead professional approach to develop, coordinate and deliver outcome focussed plans.
• To apply a challenge and support approach when working with families.
• Liaise effectively and work with universal, targeted and statutory services and partners where appropriate e.g. schools, children’s social care and the voluntary/community sector.

Essential Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in childcare NVQ level 3 or above or equivalent experience

Additional Information

For more information about the role, please read the job description and person specification.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Values

• Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
• Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
• Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

• A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

Closing Date: Sunday 9th November 2025

Interview Date: Tuesday 18th November 2025

Interview Process: Face to face at 268 Northumberland Avenue, Reading RG2 7PJ