Family Support Worker
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What is a family support worker?
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.
How to become a family support worker
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.
Apprenticeship route
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://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/
employers
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:
Taken from Prospects 2023