Child and Family Support Specialist

3 weeks ago


Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom West Sussex County Council Full time

About Us

At West Sussex County Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families in our community. Our commitment to service improvement is reflected in our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional family support, aligned with our 'Children First' initiative.

The Early Help Service plays a vital role within the Children, Young People and Learning Directorate. Our mission is to collaborate with children, families, and young individuals to ensure that every child is empowered to reach their full potential. We work closely with social care to guarantee that all families receive the appropriate assistance and protection from the relevant sectors of children's services.

Our early help approach guarantees that families have access to coordinated support when they need it most. This assistance spans a spectrum from universal preventative measures to targeted interventions for families facing complex challenges. Our aim is to address and mitigate issues before they escalate.

The Opportunity

Salary: £27,334 - £29,777 per annum

Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent

As a Family Support Worker, your role will involve assessing the needs of children, young people, and families to facilitate access to and delivery of necessary support. You will strive to enhance their outcomes and experiences, preventing issues from becoming entrenched.

Central to this position is the provision of direct interventions through our Whole Family Approach, tailored to address various challenges faced by children, young people, and their families. This method of working is essential for ensuring the safety of children while fostering positive change for families.

Strong partnership skills are crucial for developing and maintaining effective relationships with parents, families, and key partners such as Education, Health, Police, and Children's Social Care, all aimed at achieving favorable outcomes for children and young people.

We seek candidates with experience in working with children, young people, and families, who possess emotional resilience and a genuine passion for supporting a diverse range of individuals within our communities.

Experience and Skills

Key Skills:

  • Effectively support families in crisis, managing anxieties and adhering to role boundaries.
  • Manage casework efficiently with children/young people and their families, identifying needs, setting objectives, and monitoring progress.
  • Engage creatively with children/young people and their families to foster positive and lasting change.
  • Empower families by focusing on their collective strengths and resources, utilizing a solution-focused approach.
  • Reflect on personal practice and learn from experiences, taking responsibility for performance and professional development.
  • Analyze complex information to prioritize needs and make informed recommendations that lead to positive outcomes.

Qualifications and/or Experience:

  • NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification, demonstrating capability in working with children/young people and families or relevant experience.
  • Significant experience in crisis intervention with children/young people and their families, employing a variety of direct work strategies.
  • Experience in a multi-agency environment, showcasing an understanding of diverse roles and effective collaboration methods.
  • Knowledge of child and adolescent development and age-appropriate behaviors relevant to the Early Help service.
  • Understanding of current childcare legislation and policy.
  • Familiarity with safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Valid driving license and access to a vehicle, with the ability to travel independently.

Rewards and Benefits

As an employer, we value our employees as the cornerstone of our operations. We strive to cultivate a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees can realize their full potential, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and receive recognition for their contributions.

In addition to being part of a great team and receiving a competitive salary, you will have access to a comprehensive range of benefits as a West Sussex County Council employee.



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