Family support workers assist families who are experiencing problems, visiting them regularly to offer practical help and emotional support. The aim is to allow children to remain with their families rather than being taken into care. 

The role of the support worker will vary depending on the particular needs of the family. Challenges facing the family can include:

• drug and alcohol abuse
• a parent in hospital or prison
• marital or financial difficulties
• a child or parent with a disability.

Families are usually referred to a support worker by a social worker, and together they plan the type and length of support needed by the family. A key part of their work involves helping parents to enhance their home management and parenting skills, which may involve:

• developing physical and emotional caring skills 
• learning how to educate children through play
• understanding effective ways to deal with discipline and behaviour difficulties
• gaining control of the family budget. 

Parents may also be encouraged to attend local classes and workshops, which can further support the development of parenting skills.

In crisis situations, for example when a child has been abandoned in the home or a single parent is going into hospital, the family support worker may move into the home on a very short term basis until alternative care can be found. They may also help social workers to assess a family situation when a child has returned home from being in care.

Family support workers keep accurate records of their work and these reports can be used in evidence in court. They will also be involved in attending case conferences and other meetings.

Hours and Environment

Family support workers usually work 37 hours a week. Part-time work may also be possible. When working with a family that includes school age children, support workers may need to be available early in the morning, during the evening and possibly weekends.

As a family support worker you will mainly work in families' homes, but you will attend an office to meet with colleagues and write reports. You may occasionally attend court if care orders are being taken out.

Skills and Interests

To be a family support worker you need:

• the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with children and adults
• the ability to build good working relationships with families who may be initially hostile
• the ability to work collaboratively with social workers and other professionals
• practical knowledge and understanding of child development and the needs of children
• the ability to assist parents with the running of their home
• to be non-judgmental and committed to supporting people in difficult circumstances
• empathy and patience
• good listening skills
• the ability to stay calm under pressure
• good organisational skills 
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• a flexible approach to working hours and the range of duties this role can involve.

Entry

To become a family support worker, you will need relevant experience (and possibly qualifications) that demonstrates your ability and potential for this work. 

You can gain appropriate paid or voluntary experience by working with children and families within a range of settings, such as:

• children's homes
• nurseries
• family refuge centres
• probation services
• family community centres
• mental health services
• youth work projects.

Within each of these areas, there are a variety of qualifications you may be able to work towards that will help you prepare for a paid position as a family support worker. Relevant qualifications include: 

• NVQ/SVQ levels 2, 3 and 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development
• NVQ/SVQ levels 2, 3 and 4 in Health and Social Care
• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Early Years
• CACHE Certificate or Diploma in Child Care and Education.

Social work qualifications are also a good preparation for working in family support. Check the Social Work job profiles for details.

Training

Once you are employed as a family support worker, you will receive training in all aspects of the job including:

• the legal context of family support work
• assessment methods when working with families
• child protection issues
• recognising the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence
• health and safety and first aid.

You may also be encouraged to work towards relevant qualifications, such as:

• a foundation degree in Professional Studies in Family Support
• a BTEC HNC in Advanced Practice in Working with Children and Families
• a postgraduate award in Child Care, Protection and Family Support.

Other relevant qualifications include those listed in the Entry section.

As a family support worker you will usually have access to on-going training, through your employer, to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. 

As a qualified and experienced family support worker, you may have the opportunity to access professional training in social work. This involves completing an approved social work degree. Check the Social Work job profiles for more information.

Opportunities

As a family support worker you will find most opportunities for work with children's charities, such as the NSPCC, and local authority social services departments (social work departments in Scotland). 

Qualifications and experience in family support work provides a great insight into the social work profession. Your employer may support you to pursue professional training in social work; check the Social Worker job profile. Alternatively, you may go on to manage a team of support workers or assist in the running of a family centre or refuge. 

Vacancies in this field can be found in the local and national press, on potential employers' websites and on the LG Jobs website (check Further Information for details). 

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary for a family support work can be between £13,000 and £17,000 a year.
Experienced family support workers can earn £19,000 to £25,000 a year.
Deputy team managers can earn around £33,500.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk