Somerset Council
Family Time Support Worker
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Family Time Support Worker
Family Time Support Worker – Somerset Council
Location: Taunton (with opportunities in Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet & Yeovil) Salary: Grade 13 – £25,989 to £28,142 per annum Contract Type: Fixed-term (2 years) Closing Date: 19/07/2026
About the Role
At Somerset Council, we are committed to transforming family support services to ensure children and families receive the right help at the right time. As part of our Families First Partnership programme, we are creating a more connected, relationship-based system that prioritises early intervention, multi-agency collaboration, and safer outcomes for children and families.
This Family Time Support Worker role is a fixed-term (2-year) opportunity to help shape our evolving service. As a key part of our Children’s Services, you will contribute to embedding positive change while supporting children to thrive in safe family environments.
If you are results-driven, collaborative, and passionate about family wellbeing, this role offers a meaningful way to make a lasting difference.
Role Summary
The Family Time Support Worker ensures that children maintain safe, positive, and meaningful relationships with parents, relatives, or other significant adults during supervised contact.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supervising family time sessions (face-to-face or virtual) per court orders or referrals.
- Facilitating structured, nurturing environments to improve parenting, relationships, and child safety.
- Assisting in care planning, assessments, and reunification/reconnection efforts.
- Supporting early help and multi-agency collaboration across social care, education, Police, health, and communities.
- Ensuring children grow up in safe and stable family settings where possible.
By combining safeguarding expertise with relationship-building, you will help resilience stronger families and improve long-term child welfare outcomes.
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What You’ll Do – Key Responsibilities
Core Duties
- Supervise face-to-face and virtual family time sessions in line with court orders or assessed needs.
- Provide a neutral, supportive environment during sessions, maintaining child safety at all times.
- Assess parent-child interactions and offer guidance to Boost positive parenting behaviours.
- Contribute to care planning, parenting assessments, and family time plans.
- Deliver structured parenting interventions, both pre-session (training) and post-session (follow-up).
- Act as a link worker, coordinating progress with social workers, carers, and other professionals.
- Arrange and provide transport for children attending family sessions where necessary.
- Maintain accurate, safeguarding-focused records in line with council policies.
- Escalate concerns immediately if there are safeguarding risks, including ending sessions.
- Compile reports and provide court evidence where required.
- Support transition planning for reunification or family reconnection.
- Collaborate with multi-agency partners to align care path.
- Participate in training, CPD, and service improvement efforts.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Requirements
✅ Knowledge & Understanding
- Awareness of users’ and carers’ rights per the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers.
- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures.
- Understanding of children and families’ support networks across Somerset’s services.
- Familiarity with social care principles and practice.
✅ Experience & Background
- Experience (paid or volunteering preferred) in caring for children, young people, or families.
- Ability to work autonomously and compassionately with vulnerable families.
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✅ Qualifications
- Literate and numerate to GCSE level (or equivalent).
- Willingness to work towards an NVQ Level III in Children and Young People’s Workforce.
✅ Skills & Attributes
- Strong relationship-building ability to work effectively with children and families.
- Positive approach to digital tools and virtual communication platforms.
- High safeguarding vigilance and commitment to child safety standards.
- Empathy, respect, and uncritical judgment of diverse family situations.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Clerical or social care administration experience.
- Social Care qualifications (e.g., FSQ Level 4/5, NVQ).
- Valid Manual Handling Certificate.
- Advanced IT skills (data management, digital record-keeping, and virtual platforms).
Benefits Package
In addition to a competitive salary (Grade 13), we offer:
- 28 days’ annual leave, including public holidays.
- Fixed-term contract (2 years), aligning with our ** Families First programme**.
- A range of wellbeing-focused benefits, including:
- Comprehensive occupational health support.
- Flexible working discounted programmes (e.g., gym access).
- Professional development opportunities through investments in CPD.
Regrettably, sponsorship for visa requirements is not available for this role.
How to Apply & Further Information
If you’d like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact: Heidi Carey (Senior Family Time Support Worker) 📧 heidi.carey@somerset.gov.uk
Alternatively, view the full Job Description AG1025 for further details. We look forward to hearing from you!
Join us on this transformational journey and help shape a brighter future for Somerset’s children and families.
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