Keeping In Touch Worker [Fixed term until 31.3.2029]

Darlington; North East; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working hours

32 days annual leave + bank holidays

Learning and development opportunities

Staff wellbeing services

Job summary

Darlington Borough Council is seeking a Keeping In Touch Worker on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2029. The role focuses on maintaining contact with children, young people and families who access Family Hub services in Darlington.

You will use home visits, calls, texts, emails and surveys to gather feedback, monitor experiences and suggest service improvements. The role emphasizes listening, confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Proficiency with IT systems and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Stay connected with children, families and service users through visits and calls.
• Gather feedback and understand the impact of services on families.
• Maintain accurate participation information and records.
• Support production of routine information and reports used to improve services.

Skills

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

IT proficiency

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Keeping In Touch Worker [Fixed term until 31.3.2029] (Ref: TBC)

Salary £26,427 Salary Band £20,001 to £30,000 Post Type Fixed Term Hours Per Week Full time

Job and Application details

Categories Social Care - Children Service
Directorate N/A Published Date 06/10/2026 Closing Date 25/10/2026

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in helping children, young people, parents and carers shape the services designed to support them. Through regular contact with families, you'll gather valuable feedback, understand their experiences and ensure their voices influence how Family Hubs continue to develop across Darlington.

If you're someone who enjoys talking to people, building positive relationships and helping others feel heard, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Keeping In Touch Worker, you'll help us stay connected with the children, young people and families who access Family Hub services.

Through hme visits, telephone calls, texts, emails, surveys and other agreed methods of contact, you'll gather feedback about families' experiences, understand the difference services have made and identify opportunities for improvement.

You'll be responsible for maintaining accurate participation information, ensuring records are up to date and supporting the production of routine information and reports that help us understand the impact of our work.

Most importantly, you'll help ensure that the views of children and families are heard, valued and used to improve services.

This role is not case holding and does not involve assessments or direct intervention work. Instead, you'll play a vital part in helping Family Hubs learn from the people who matter most, the families we serve.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Enjoys engaging with people and building positive relationships.
• Is warm, approachable and an excellent listener.
• Can communicate confidently with children, young people and adults.
• Has strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Is confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Has a good eye for detail and can work accurately.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Is passionate about improving services for children and families.

You may have experience in administration, customer services, community engagement, family support or a similar role. Equally important is your ability to communicate effectively, make people feel comfortable and gather information in a respectful and professional way.

Why Join Us?

Darlington is an ambitious place to work, with children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

We're investing in Family Hubs that bring services together, strengthen communities and ensure families can access the support they need at the right time.

We're proud to have been judged Outstanding by Ofsted, with inspectors recognising our child-centred practice and commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families.

\"Children's experiences are at the heart of practice.\"

This role offers the opportunity to be part of that journey. The feedback you gather and the relationships you build will help influence future services and contribute to better outcomes for local families.

You'll join a supportive team, receive opportunities for learning and development and be part of a service that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:

• A pivotal role in an Outstanding local authority.
• A supportive culture grounded in relational practice.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Clear commitment to learning, development and progression.
• 32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional Annual Leave.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with the option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions.
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes.
• Staff equality forums.
• Green Car Leasing Scheme.
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development.
• Physiotherapy service.
• Confidential counselling service.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts.
• Local and National retailer discounts.
• Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings.
• Arriva Employee Travel Club

Shortlisting will take place on Thursday 5th November 2026, in person interviews will be held 16th and 17th November 2026.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure with Children's Barred List check.