JOB TITLE - FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Job Description – Family Support Worker Safe Haven Parenting Assessment Unit
Location: Dover Kent
Salary: £22,000 – 31,000 per annum
Reports to: Registered Manager
Contract Type: Full-time including evenings, weekends, and sleep-in shifts as required
Job Purpose
The Family Support Worker plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable parents and their babies within a Parenting Assessment Unit. The role involves working directly with young and at-risk parents to develop parenting skills, promote independent living, and ensure the safety and well-being of both parent/s and child/ren. The post holder will work within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to parenting assessments, safeguarding interventions, and tailored support plans that enable families to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Direct Support for Parents & Babies/Children
• Provide one-to-one parenting support, focusing on childcare, feeding, bonding, hygiene, and baby development.
• Assist parents in establishing routines, safe sleep practices, and infant nutrition.
• Support young or first-time parents in developing essential life skills, budgeting, and emotional resilience.
• Conduct regular observations and maintain detailed case notes on parent/s -child/ren interactions.
2. Safeguarding & Risk Management
• Monitor parental capacity, attachment, and emotional well-being.
• Identify safeguarding concerns, report incidents, and implement risk reduction strategies.
• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all parents and babies within the unit.
• Work in partnership with social workers, health visitors, and safeguarding teams to promote child welfare.
3. Supervised Contact & Parenting Assessments
• Facilitate and record supervised contact sessions where required.
• Contribute to viability assessments, parenting assessments, and placement reviews.
• Provide professional reports on parental progress, capacity, and challenges to inform social services and legal proceedings.
4. Independent Living & Transition Support
• Support parents in developing independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and tenancy management.
• Assist in transition planning for parents moving on to independent or supported living.
• Provide advocacy support, helping parents access education, employment, and community resources.
5. Multi-Agency Working & Reporting
• Attend child protection meetings, strategy meetings, and placement reviews.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, midwives, mental health teams, and family support services.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and CQC regulations.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Experience
• Level 3 or above qualification in Health & Social Care, Early Years, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience supporting vulnerable families, young parents s, or working in a residential setting.
• Experience working with safeguarding frameworks and child protection policies.
Skills & Knowledge
• Understanding of infant development, parenting strategies, and maternal mental health.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, risk assessments, and intervention methods.
• Ability to assess risk, monitor parental capacity, and respond to crisis situations.
• Excellent communication, observational, and report-writing skills.
Personal Attributes
• Compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental approach.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and manage challenging situations.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently when required.
Desirable Criteria
• Experience in a Mother/Parent & Baby Unit, Family Assessment Centre, or Residential Childcare.
• Additional training in mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, or early childhood development.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits
• Competitive salary & optional pension scheme
• Training & career development opportunities
• Supportive team and structured supervision
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How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to info@safehavenpau.co.uk or
Contact us via our website - https://safehavenpau.co.uk/