Family Support Worker

Job description

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Children & Young People area at IRMO and be part of the Family Project. The Family Project supports Spanish and Portuguese-speaking children and young people who have recently arrived in the UK and need to enter compulsory education as soon as possible.

The Family Support Worker will offer targeted advice and support in Spanish/Portuguese to families and young people facing barriers in accessing education and other statutory services such as SEND support and Early Help.

The role involves setting up advice and casework schedules, liaising with local authorities, school admissions departments, EAL/SEN teams, and specialised organisations to ensure children are not out of education and receive the right support.

The Family Support Worker will also deliver targeted workshops for families, liaise with external speakers, and create accessible resources (digital and paper-based).

They will work closely with the Youth Project Coordinator, ESOL Teacherand Community Support Team to share information, identify needs, and connect children and families with opportunities.

This multifaceted role requires empathy, flexibility, and a sound understanding of the UK education system and legislation affecting migrants and asylum seekers.

Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is essential and a knowledge of both is desirable, as the Family Support Worker will regularly need to communicate with members of the community who have either as a first language.

Key duties & responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Plan and deliver advice sessions and casework on school admissions and other services (SEND, free school meals, NRPF, etc.).
• Conduct needs assessments and connect children and young people to relevant internal and external services.
• Plan and deliver quarterly workshops for families on education and SEND topics (e.g. transitions, EHCPs, autism).
• Build and maintain networks with statutory and VCS stakeholders, schools, legal organisations, parents' groups, councillors, and Heads of Service.
• Conduct regular outreach in the community to encourage children and families to participate in workshops, campaigns, and community activities.
• Create accessible resources for internal and external use.
• Run weekly school admission drop-in sessions with newly arrived parents
• Liaise with local councils to ensure school placements are guaranteed.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Collect and review monitoring data (registration forms, case notes, feedback forms, surveys).
• Maintain accurate case notes and manage caseloads using Excel and CRM systems.
• Produce case studies, success stories, for reports for funders and stakeholders.

Safeguarding

• Ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of young people, following IRMO's Safeguarding Policy and NYA guidelines.
• Attend regular safeguarding training relevant to the role.

Communication

• Support in the creation of accessible promotional materials aligned with IRMO's communication strategy.
• Manage service users' expectations through clear and consistent communication.
• Attend team meetings and share updates across IRMO teams.
• Represent IRMO at external forums, with partners and funders.

Other

• Train and supervise volunteers.
• Signpost and refer service users to internal and external support.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the purpose of the post as directed by the Line Manager.

Person specification

E = Essential - D = Desirable

Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum one years' experience in advice and casework in the UK (Essential)
• Experience with M&E tools and impact reporting (Essential).
• Experience liaising with schools, local authorities, VCS organisations, and statutory services (Essential).
• Knowledge of UK Safeguarding and Health & Safety procedures (Essential).
• Knowledge of the UK education system, including admissions and SEND (Essential).
• Knowledge of the UK not-for-profit sector (Desirable).
• Knowledge of the legislation affecting migrants and asylum seekers in accessing education. (Essential)
• Understanding of issues affecting young Latin American migrants in the UK (Essential).
• Knowledge and awareness of SEND and experience delivering activities within educational or community learning settings or a willingness to develop in this specific area (desirable).
• Qualification in Information, Advice & Guidance (Desirable).

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail (Essential).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish or Portuguese (Essential).
• Ability to manage workload, meet deadlines, and work independently (Essential).
• Problem-solving, innovation, and system improvement skills (Essential).
• Empathy and respect when dealing with children, young people, and families (Essential).
• Competence in Google Workspace tools and Excel (Essential); Experience using CRM tools (Desirable).

Personal Attributes

• Professional and positive attitudes
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Collaborative team player, open to learning from colleagues.
• Accountable and dependable, with strong follow-through on casework.
• Creative and resourceful, empowering service users to overcome barriers.
• Committed to continuous learning and adapting to systemic challenges.
• Aligned with and committed to IRMO's mission, vision, and values.
• Non-judgemental, non-discriminatory, and supportive approach.