Family Support Worker

Contractual hours: 37

An exciting opportunity has arisen in The Family Network Team which is part of the Bristol Therapeutic Support Service focusing on supporting stability for children in care and those returning to their families.

The Family Network Team consists of 3 Family Keyworkers, 3 Family Support Workers, a Therapeutic Senior Practitioner, and Practice Lead, and offers planned intensive reunification support to children and parents before and throughout the transition of reunification, aiming to achieve stability and permanency for children to live at home.

The work of the team is varied in providing emotional, practical, and parenting support to families both on an individual and family basis. The team also provide family time support to strengthen relationships and improve the quality of time together between children and their birth parents. The team is actively promoting practice around network building for children and parents and life story work.

As a family support worker you will work directly with children of all ages who are returning to live with their birth parents and offer weekly support to them by building a relationship with them to support conversations around their transition home, supporting them with their feelings, worries and understanding around this. Support will encourage strengthening relationships with parents and wider family, you will also provide emotional and practical help, and support children to build confidence and resilience skills.

You will also help children to understand their story, and support around any education needs and advocate when needed. You will also work directly with children and birth parents who have family time, and provide sometimes supervision, support, advice, and regular feedback to parents to help strengthen relationships and progress family time.

You will also work collaboratively with colleagues in the Family Network Team as well as other professionals in the wider children's service, and will advocate for children and parents, often attending children in care reviews, reunification reviews, and network meetings. The role requires seeing children in a range of settings and we encourage a creative approach to direct work with children and families.

The team have been operational for six years and have demonstrated high levels of successful reunification and positive feedback from families. They are experienced, passionate, and enthusiastic about this area of practice and are continuing to expand their interventions and develop the service.

Working as part of the wider service with a focus on achieving stability for children in care this is an exciting and enjoyable place to work. We have a strong culture of learning and support and developing use of therapeutic interventions within practice as well as a commitment to promoting and embedding anti-racist practice throughout the service. You will receive a supported induction, regular supervision, training, and development opportunities. 

Please note this position is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.