Family support workers help families with long or short term problems. On a day to day basis they may work with people addicted to alcohol or drugs, support a parent while they're in hospital or prison, support clients who have marriage or money problems, support a child or parent with a disability, attend court sessions about caring for a child, help clients develop their parenting skills and much more. 

The challenges faced by your service users could relate to:

• anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, such as a parent in prison

• behaviour and social interaction

• bereavement and caring responsibilities

• bullying

• disability

• domestic violence and abuse

• drug and alcohol addiction

• education and learning

• finance and debt

• housing and homelessness

• language barriers

• learning difficulties

• marital discord, separation and divorce, including care orders

• mental or physical health issues

• parenting skills

• physical and mental health issues, disabilities and learning difficulties.

The main routes to get into this role are:

• A college course- there are different diplomas that you could undertake to become a family support worker, for example in health and social care. 

• An apprenticeship-  there are many relevant degree apprenticeships that can support you in becoming a family support worker. 

• Volunteering- you may go into employment or voluntary work in various settings including nursery, probation office, mental health service and other relevant work places. 

• Apply directly- if you already have work experience with children and families and level 3 qualifications you may be able to apply directly. 

Typically, employers seek a minimum of a level 3 qualification in one of the following:

• advice and guidance

• childcare

• community work

• counselling

• education

• health

• social care

• youth work.

While you don't have to be a graduate to become a family support worker, the following degree subjects can lead to this career:

• childhood studies

• education

• psychology

• social work

• youth and community work.

An apprenticeship may help you gain the skills you need to become a family support worker.

You could complete a:

• peer worker advanced apprenticeship

• children, young people and families practitioner higher apprenticeship

• early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship

You will usually need to take place in an interview process when applying for an apprenticeship and also need the qualifications required. 

Apprenticeship Finders

https://careerfinder.ucas.com/searchjobs/?Keywords=electrical+&radialtown=&LocationId=&RadialLocation=5&NearFacetsShown=true&CountryCode=

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Interview Help

https://uk.indeed.com/hire/interview-questions/family-support-worker

https://interviewprep.org/family-support-worker-interview-questions/

Jobs are available in the public and not-for-profit sectors in local authority social services departments and specialist support organisations and charities.

You may also work in a school offering support and advice to children who attend the school and their families.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Charity Job

• Children and Young People Now Jobs

• Community Care Jobs

• Jobs Go Public

• LG Jobs

Taken from Prospects 2023