Family Support Worker

Job Title: Family Help Practitioner – First Response Service (Children’s Services)
Service: Trafford Children’s Services – Family Help & First Response
Band: Band 6
Reporting to: Team Leader
Responsible for: No direct reports

About the Role We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Help Practitioner to join Trafford’s First Response Service within Children’s Services. This is a vital frontline role within a developing Family Help model, designed to ensure families receive the right support, at the right time, from the right professionals.

You will work intensively with families experiencing complex needs, providing targeted support through a multi-agency, strength-based and restorative approach. Your work will directly contribute to improving outcomes for children, young people, and their families, helping to prevent escalation into statutory services wherever possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake holistic assessments of need and coordinate tailored, multi-agency support packages for families
• Assess risk and contribute to the development of effective family plans
• Manage a caseload of families with complex needs, delivering evidence-based interventions
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families using a restorative practice approach
• Work directly with children and families in their homes and community settings
• Ensure the voice of the child is central to all assessments and planning
• Develop and review Family Help Plans, focusing on sustainable positive change
• Identify barriers to engagement and support families to overcome them
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver coordinated support
• Maintain accurate, timely case records using electronic systems
• Support the wider Team Leader in delivering the Family Help model effectively

About You We are looking for someone who is committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and families.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Health, Social Care, Youth Work, Education, Early Years, Mental Health)
• Level 2 Safeguarding Adults and Children
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience using assessment and risk tools (e.g. GCP2, CSE/CCE tools, DASH)
• Understanding of safeguarding, child development, and Early Help principles
• Knowledge of Adverse Childhood Experiences and key risk factors (domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health)
• Experience working in multi-agency environments
• Awareness of GDPR and case management systems
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion, and the impact of inequality

Skills

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to build trusted relationships with families and professionals
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong organisation and time management in a busy environment
• Ability to work independently, including lone working
• Competent IT skills (Microsoft 365 and case recording systems)
• Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused approach

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check required
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle essential
• Flexible working, including duty rota participation and occasional out-of-hours work
• Willingness to travel across the Trafford area

Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking service committed to early intervention, relationship-based practice, and meaningful change for families. You’ll be joining a supportive team working at the heart of children’s services transformation in Trafford.

Apply Now To apply, please send your CV to:
john.deane@servicecare.org.uk