Going Home Worker

Hampshire Shared Services Partnership; Alton; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured Employee Assistance

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Going Home Worker in Alton to help children in care safely return to parental care. You will work with children, families and professionals to support reunification journeys, ensuring children's voices are heard and plans focus on safe, stable outcomes.

The role involves building trusted relationships, coordinating support and contributing to best practice across Hampshire's Going Home pathway.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children, young people and families in a support or caring role.
• Experience with parents and carers to strengthen parenting skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, engaging with diverse people.
• Good organisational and IT skills, able to write reports and manage priorities.
• Child-centred, safeguarding-focused approach with a commitment to positive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and wider networks.
• Develop and progress Going Home plans to support safe return home.
• Coordinate with Social Workers and partner agencies to inform decisions.
• Monitor progress, keep records and provide updates on reunification activity.
• Signpost families to practical support and strengthen networks for sustainable reunifications.

Skills

Children & families

Communication

Organisation

Driving licence

Tools

IT skills

Job description

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625097
Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 per annum
Work Location: Park House, Alton (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 9 November 2026

The Role:

As a Going Home Worker , you'll play a vital role in helping children in care safely and successfully return to the care of their parent(s) or those with parental responsibility. You'll work directly with children, families and professionals to support reunification journeys, ensuring children's voices are heard and that plans are focused on achieving safe, stable and lasting outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in children's lives. Through building trusted relationships, coordinating support and contributing to informed decision-making, you'll help families overcome challenges and create the conditions for successful reunification. You'll also play a key part in developing and embedding best practice across Hampshire's Going Home pathway.

What you’ll do:

• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and wider family networks, supporting assessments and reunification planning.
• Help develop and progress robust Going Home plans that support children to return home safely and achieve positive outcomes.
• Work closely with Social Workers and partner agencies to coordinate support and contribute to effective decision-making.
• Monitor progress, maintain accurate records and provide updates on reunification activity and outcomes.
• Signpost families to practical support and strengthen family and community networks to promote sustainable reunifications.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience of working with children, young people and families in a support, helping or caring role, particularly those with complex needs and circumstances.
• Experience of working directly with parents and carers to strengthen parenting skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of people.
• Good organisational and IT skills, with the ability to write reports, present information effectively and manage competing priorities using initiative and good judgement.
• A resilient, child-centred and inclusive approach, with a commitment to safeguarding and achieving positive outcomes for children.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Going Home Worker , team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful difference by helping children safely return home and supporting families to thrive together.
• Join a supportive, collaborative team committed to learning, innovation and improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more informationhere (https://www.hants.gov.uk/jobs/whychooseus/benefits).
• Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
• Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Family Support Worker, Family Support Practitioner, Reunification Worker, Children and Family Support Worker, Family Intervention Worker, Parenting Support Worker, Family Outreach Worker.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Going Home Worker Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact [e-mail]

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Amelia Shipley, Team Manager on [e-mail]

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.