Family Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children and families?

Willowbrook Mead Primary Academy is seeking an experienced, compassionate and resilient Family Support Worker to join our pastoral team. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with children, families, school staff and external agencies to overcome barriers to learning and improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable pupils.

This is a site-based role at the heart of our school community. The successful candidate will be visible, approachable and proactive, building strong relationships with children and families and providing practical support where it is needed most.

What will you do?

You will:

• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and families.

• Carry out home visits and support families in their home environment when required.

• Lead and participate in family meetings, reviews and support planning.

• Be a welcoming point of contact for families through daily meet and greet activities.

• Deliver one-to-one interventions and direct work with children.

• Support attendance, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and safeguarding outcomes.

• Maintain high-quality records using CPOMS and other school systems.

• Work alongside teachers, SEND staff and school leaders to coordinate support.

• Attend and contribute to Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), Core Group and multi-agency meetings.

• Liaise effectively with external agencies and community organisations.

• Support the delivery of nurture-based and pastoral provision, including nurture lunches and targeted interventions.

• Signpost families to relevant services and support networks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working directly with vulnerable children, young people and families.

• Is confident managing emotionally heightened situations and can de-escalate conflict calmly and effectively.

• Can challenge unsafe or undesirable behaviour in a safe, professional and restorative way.

• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practice.

• Has experience completing internal Early Help (Family Help) Assessments

• Has experience of multi-agency working, ideally including voluntary sector organisations.

• Is experienced in attending CIN, CP and Core Group meetings.

• Understands the importance of accurate record keeping and has experience using CPOMS or similar safeguarding systems.

• Can offer practical advice and support to parents around routines, boundaries and family wellbeing.

• Has excellent communication skills and can build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Is organised, resilient and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who have:

• DSL training or safeguarding qualifications.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing qualifications or training.

• Training in Trauma Informed Practice.

• Experience delivering nurture-based interventions.

• Knowledge of HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programmes and organising enrichment provision.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Thurnby Lodge community, including local challenges and opportunities.

• Experience delivering family support within education, social care, youth work or community settings.

Why Join Willowbrook?

At Willowbrook, we are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, supported and able to succeed. We believe strong relationships with families are key to improving outcomes, and our Family Support Worker plays a vital role in achieving this vision.

You will join a caring, ambitious team that values collaboration, kindness and putting children first.

If you are passionate about helping families overcome barriers and want to make a lasting difference to children's lives, we would love to hear from you.